In the movie, “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark,” actor Harrison Ford is in search of the “Ark of the Covenant.”  The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred chest built by the Israelites, under exact specifications given to them by God.  This was a promise by God that he would dwell among his people.  Only the priests were allowed to carry the Ark, which contained the Two Tablets given to them by God.  Later, Manna that came from heaven, and Moses’ staff were added to the Ark.  The Ark in the Old Testament was a place where believers could go to have their sins forgiven.

Joshua has been given specific instructions to take down Jericho.  For seven days straight they marched around the village with seven priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant and trumpets blowing. The people were not to shout until the seventh day. On the seventh day, they shouted and the walls of the village fell down. The Ark was always held sacred as that is where God resided.

Jesus changed all of that for us. When Jesus died on the cross, the curtain in the Temple tore – meaning that God was now everywhere – not just in the Temple and not just in the Ark of the Covenant.  In fact, God now resides in the hearts of all believers. If we go to church or to a temple, it is because we want to worship with other believers, not because that is where we find Christ.  And, if you really want to see Jesus, go to places where the homeless live, the poor are fed, and the sick are being healed.

Let us pray…Almighty and Merciful Lord, grant us your presence.  Lead us to you in places we are unsure to go and look.  Please never leave us or forsake us.  In your name we pray, Amen.