Midweek Message from the Archive
Ark of the Covenant
What is it about a golden box, so mysterious and secluded, that man was only allowed into its presence once a year? And not just any man or priest but only the High Priest and not just any day but one, specific day.
The Ark of the Covenant is pictured with protective angels hovering over the Mercy Seat where the blood was poured. That blood represented God’s judgment being satisfied and fellowship restored for another year; it was the heavy sigh a guilty man would breath when a judge showed him mercy (Heb. 9:2-8).
The Ark contained three articles that are worth exploring. The first High Priest was Aaron, brother of Moses, who carried a staff or rod. Miracles were performed and curses released (Ex. 9) using this rod in the presence of the Pharaoh of Egypt. When Aaron’s authority needed to be proven to the people (Num. 17:1-13) this dead stick, the rod, miraculously budded, blossomed, and bore fruit. This rod was kept in the ark serving as a reminder of God’s power to bring life from the dead. This foreshadow was of Jesus, our resurrected Savior, Who brings a condemned sinner into new life. It also reminds a believer that we have authority as well; we sit in heavenly places with Christ (Eph. 2:6), and our position is assured.
Secondly, within the Ark we find the stone tablets or the Law God dictated to Moses on Mt. Sinai. These ten commandments explained the duties of man toward God and others. When a believer obeyed these laws he experienced kingdom living: the higher life. When they didn’t obey, the law showed them their sin (Gal. 3:19-22). The Old Covenant played a vital role in a Jewish life but the New Covenant Jesus instituted is better. On the Day of Atonement when the High Priest entered with animal blood everyone was reminded of their sin but when the blood of Jesus was presented to God a promise was made:
For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more. Hebrews 8:12 ESV
That’s a better covenant, however, if God doesn’t remember your sin, neither should you.
Lastly, within the Ark we find manna, the mysterious food that appeared in the wilderness. Every day God supernaturally provided this sustenance for His people; I think you can see the image.
And He humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Deuteronomy 8:3 ESV
The Ark of the Covenant is a wonderful reminder of the far better plan we have in Christ. Mercy, angels, position, authority, kingdom living, and daily food for your soul, now that’s a better plan; living in the Kingdom of God.
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