“And there I will meet with you, and I will commune with you from above the mercy seat.” Exodus 25:22
Dear Ones:
If ever there was an initiative taken by God to reveal to man His ways in the form of an illustration, it would be in the design, building, and declared purpose of the Ark of the Covenant. It was not a large structure by any means, but its appearance was overwhelmingly beautiful and immaculate. It contained a bowl of manna, Aaron’s rod that bloomed, and the ten commandments written in stone. Why was it so very important, mobile, and centrally located in the tabernacle? THERE, by the declared meaning of its existence, God would reveal to man His desire, will, and way, by which He would meet man…to commune with him. With such a monumental, eternal purpose in view, God paints a picture of certainty, so that man can, with assurance, come to Him, draw near to Him, and commune with Him. Why is the Ark itself so significant?
We see by its name that it involves something external which encases something eternal. The Ark in and of itself was a measured box, overlaid with gold, intricately designed and fabricated, with a cherubim at each end of the long side. The wings of the cherubims were spread over what is called the “mercy seat,” the external top of the structure. The very faces of the cherubims looked towards one another, specifically towards the mercy seat. Why? It is certainly because of the importance, and attention, that God would have us give to it. (Exodus 25:22) If man is to approach God, it will be by the mercy of God, and man’s appeal to it.
The Ark contains the declared covenant of God, His absolute and eternal commitment to man, to reveal Himself to him, if that person will truly believe in Him, according to His way. Scripture declares that when coming to God, one “…must believe that He IS and that He is the REWARDER of those who diligently seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6) With the coming of the New Testament, or New Covenant, that commitment by God to man, revealing His way to him by the sacrifice of His Son, comes the call to the heart of every man. According to the Old Covenant (Testament), that commitment was based on the certain promises from God, to receive, save, and keep the believer. The New Covenant, in the precious blood of Christ, ministered by the Lord Jesus Himself as our High Priest, speaks to us of “good things to come.” Scripture speaks of a greater and more perfect tabernacle, NOT MADE WITH HANDS, therefore, eternal. By the blood of this covenant, the Lord Jesus “…obtained eternal redemption for us.” (Heb. 9:12) The result and effect of this covenant, is revealed in the declaration: “I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them, and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” (10:16) The New Covenant declares that God has committed Himself, not only to deal with all sin, by washing it all away, but wonderfully, to come and dwell in the heart of the believer by His Spirit: “You know Him (the Spirit of Truth), for He dwells WITH you, and shall be IN you.” (Jn. 14:17) Herein lies the promise of union with Christ, and the certain corresponding communion with God.
Dear Father, open our eyes to see, and give to our hearts to understand, that Your covenant is “set in heaven,” and cannot, will not, be altered. According to this covenant, we can know You, and the Lord Jesus as our life eternal. Give us grace to truly believe You according to Your covenant. We thank and praise Thee in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad