TODAY’S VERSES:

Hebrews 9:3-4 Behind the second veil there was a tabernacle which is called the Holy of Holies, having a golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden jar holding the manna, and Aaron’s rod which budded, and the tables of the covenant.

In prep school we recently studied the ark of the covenant and its contents, which were located in the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle. Why is this important to learn about? Well, the ark of the covenant is a visual aid of salvation. God used visual aids like this in the Old Testament times as a “foreshadowing” (illustration of future events) for Jesus Christ’s saving work on the cross.

The Lord gave Moses very specific instructions on how to construct His tabernacle (where sacrifices were to be made), including how to build the ark (Exodus 25:10-22, see video) and what to put inside of it. Every detail of the ark and its contents illustrated a part of His salvation plan for mankind. The contents of the ark were a picture of the sins of mankind:
-The golden jar of manna represented rejection of God’s provision. The Lord rescued the Jews from a life of slavery in Egypt and gave them manna from Heaven, perfect food, to sustain them during their journey to the Promised Land. In Numbers 11 we read about how they complained against God and His manna, wanting meat like they had in Egypt. They were not content in what the Lord had perfectly provided them.
-Aaron’s staff that budded represented rejection of God’s chosen authority. In Numbers 16-17 the Bible describes how the Israelites accused Moses and Aaron of being arrogant and making themselves their leaders. God showed them who was really boss by having each leader of the 12 family tribes provide a staff. He told them that whichever staff had flowers blossom on it belonged to His chosen leader. Guess whose staff budded? That’s right- Aaron’s, proving that it was God, Himself, who chose Him in his leadership role of High Priest.
-The stone tablets with the 10 commandments inscribed on them represented rejection of God’s Law. The first 2 of the 10 commandments (Exodus 20:2-5a) forbid the sin of idolatry- worshipping false gods. In Exodus 32:1-4 we are told the story of how they made a golden calf and worshipped it. Yikes!!

So, inside of the ark we have the sin of mankind. The lid of the ark had the mercy seat upon it. What is the significance of the mercy seat? On the Day of Atonement, the High Priest was to sprinkle blood from a sacrificed animal onto it for the forgiveness of the Israelites’ sins (Leviticus 16:14-15). The sin of man requires blood for God’s mercy and forgiveness.

Hebrews 9:22 In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

The Lord Jesus Christ shed His own blood on the cross for our redemption. He paid the price for our sins with His blood so we could be reconciled with God.  His perfect sacrifice made animal sacrifices no longer necessary.  

Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.

Now, do yourself a favor and go read the verses in Exodus and Numbers we referenced. By learning more about the story of the Israelites, you will learn more about God’s grace and mercy.