Read Proverbs 17:15-28
Read Exodus 25
Today God gives Moses instructions concerning items in the tabernacle (and later, the temple). These items have a theological significance. The most significant item mentioned in this chapter is the ark of the covenant. In the ark they would store some sacred items: the ten commandments, some manna, Aaron's staff. But more incredible than what is in the ark is what is on the ark and above the ark.
The lid of the ark is called the "mercy seat." On this lid blood of the sacrifice would be sprinkled, appeasing God's wrath and delivering forgiveness to the people. Also, with the ark of the covenant God would be pleased to be present. Yes, the ark did more than symbolize the presence of God - it was the location of the presence of God.
Yes, we hear God tell Moses something shockingly amazing. In verse 22 he says, "There I will meet with you, and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are on the ark of the testimony, I will speak with you about all that I will give you in commandment for the people of Israel."
Some people think that the Old Testament and the Old Covenant is all Law. But is there any doubt that God is merciful and gracious after reading this (even in the Old Testament)? He is setting up a way for him to continue to dwell with his people, a way for him to instruct Moses, a way to deliver forgiveness of sins, a way for them to hold sacred the Word of God.
What a precious gift!
No one knows for sure what happened to the ark. It is lost long before the New Testament age. It was not found by Indiana Jones. But no matter. Now, if we did find it, it would only be an old artifact - a significant one, but not one that still carried all its former meaning. Why? Because the ark foreshadowed the coming Messiah. And with the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the ark is no longer necessary. No ark is needed to be the location of the presence of God, because God became flesh and dwelt among us. No need for the ark to deliver forgiveness, for the cross became the "mercy seat" of God, and God's own blood was poured out for us. No need for the ark to be the place where the Word is spoken or kept pure, because in the last of these days, God has "spoken to us by his Son" (Heb. 1:2).
I wonder if people sometimes wonder why we Lutherans like to talk about Scripture being Christocentric? Read Exodus 25 and you'll see why. It's more than details about a wooden box overlayed with gold. It's about Jesus.
Pray:
Thank you, O Lord Jesus Christ, for taking on flesh and dwelling among us. Thank you for shedding your blood on the cross, that we might be purified of every sin. Thank you for speaking to us and preserving in Scripture for us your Word. Help me ever to be appreciative. Help me to share that Word. Help me to live for you. Amen.
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
I love the term "mercy seat". My NIV uses atonement cover and yet I am familiar with the use of the term "mercy seat". Is that what KJV used? Is atonement cover a more literal translation while "mercy seat" is more a picture of what the cover represented? Is the term "mercy seat" used any where else in Scripture?
ReplyDeleteThe NIV uses what are called "dynamic equivalents." In other words, sometimes it will replace a literal phrase with another phrase that is believed to explain better the meaning of the phrase. So there is some interpretation involved. In this case, "mercy seat" is the literal expression, and "atonement cover" is the dynamic equivalent. I think that both are appropriate and true enough. "Atonement" helps us to understand the purpose. "Mercy seat" brings to mind more of the design and structure.
ReplyDeleteYes, the KJV used "mercy seat" as do many other translations.
"Mercy seat" appears in Hebrews 9:5. Hebrews 9 is an excellent chapter to read for further study on this topic. The author goes on about the Old Covenant and how it is replaced by Jesus and the New Covenant. "Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance" (Heb 9:15).