Presence Carriers – David ShearmanSample

Becoming a Presence Carrier

The Bible uses a number of pictures and phrases to describe the literal and spiritual journey of becoming who we were born to be; moving toward that place we were always meant to live, knowing and being known by Him, and moving from being immature “child heirs” (Galatians 4:1) to receiving all our promised land with the “full rights of sons” (Galatians 4:5).

As Israel crossed over into the Promised Land, the priests had to carry the Ark of the Covenant that represented the very presence of God. Read the account of what happened in Joshua chapter 3, then consider the following lessons we can draw from it, applying them to our own “crossing over”:

1. We need to practice hearing well. The leaders of the day were told to instruct the people about what God had told them to do (Joshua 3:3). Today we have the responsibility of hearing the voice of God for ourselves and applying what He is saying. We will be helped in this task if we keep our hearts tender, our devotion deep and our lives uncluttered.

2. We need to focus on seeing. The people had to do something, “When you see the ark...” (3:3). So often we miss what God is doing because of our lack of ability to discern His hand at work, even in the ordinary, day-to-day things. Let’s pray for God to open our eyes, so that we are constantly on the lookout for Him moving.

3. We need to recognize God’s presence. The people were told to look for the ark and follow it. In other words, to follow after God’s presence. The ark was the physical embodiment of the covenant of God with His people – a sign that He would surely do that which He had promised. We can follow after His presence with similar confidence.

4. Look for the presence carriers. The priests literally “carried” the presence of God. They were a special group of people. Thankfully, since Jesus came, we each have the ability to be presence carriers. If we aspire to be one, then we need to look for those who already carry a profound sense of God’s presence, follow them, and learn what they are modeling.

5. Live where the presence of God dwells. Sometimes unusual and unique challenges come our way – like being asked to walk into a flooded river carrying a wooden box! If, in any season of your life, you struggle to discern and follow God’s immediate presence yourself, then make sure you always have some reliable presence carriers who are accessible and can help you keep moving forward.