The Ark of the Covenant
Exodus 37:8-9, “He molded the cherubim on each end of the atonement cover, making it all one piece of gold. The cherubim faced each other and looked down on the atonement cover. With their wings spread above it, they protected it.”
In Genesis, God told Noah to build an ark — a protective sanctuary for Noah’s family and two of every animal during the great flood. Now, in Exodus, God gives instructions for a different ark, a structure to house the Ten Commandments, and mark where His presence would rest among His people. The ornate wooden box was overlaid with gold and equipped with golden rings and poles for desert transport. The lid was called the mercy seat, a place of atonement for Israel’s sin, on which two gold cherubim faced each other with wings spread upward, covering the seat. It wasn’t a statue representing God, but it was an actual meeting place for God’s presence to hover when He spoke to His priests. And as Israel trusted God and obeyed the law He gave Moses, He would remain in their presence.
Where is the ark today? We don’t know. But the moment Jesus rose victoriously from the grave, it was no longer needed. When He defeated death, His forgiveness and mercy were seated at the foot of the cross — His blood was shed in one final act of atonement for our sins. The second we choose to accept His gift of sacrifice and salvation, our hearts become God’s dwelling place — forever and ever — until we one day meet Him face-to-face! We don’t have to go and find Him; He lives within us and is with us as we walk through each day, each situation, and each circumstance.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for sending Jesus to die and rise again for my forgiveness. Your mercy and compassion are profound, and Your presence is my greatest gift. As I renew this covenant with you this Lord’s Days, may You bless the Bread and the Cup of reconciliation? Amen!
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