EXODUS 25:10-22 GOD MADE THE FIRST MOVE In the order of God's revelation of Himself to Israel through Moses, God made the first move. The building of the Tabernacle began with the description of the ark of God. The fact of it being first indicates God moved out toward men rather than waiting for men to move in toward Him. The presence of God would be the last place reached by a man who approached God. The ark represented the One who is the First and the Last, the Alpha and Omega. That ark is called the ark of testimony, of God, of the covenant of the Lord, of the Lord - the Lord of all the earth, of the Lord God, the holy ark, of Thy strength, of the God of Israel. In other words, every aspect of the life of God's people was important to God. He was involved in everything that happened to them. The gold covering the wood inside and out teaches that the One who it represents is God. The acacia wood that gave form to the ark but was hidden under the gold, typifies the humanity of Christ. He was not from God, but was God - "God was manifest in the flesh." He who created man, became man that He might save man.
The gold covered box summarized the whole covenant God had with Israel. This testified to the holiness and value of fellowship with God. It was placed in the Holy of Holies, unapproachable except by the high priest with the blood of atonement in His hand to sprinkle before the ark for himself and then the second approach to sprinkle blood on the mercy-seat for the people. The priest also had incense burning, and the fragrance and the blood, both testified to the character and work of Christ, the God-Man. "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself." This is what we have today. Not just Israel, but "whosoever believeth in Him" has everlasting life.
Inside that gold covered box were the two tablets on which the 10 commandments were written. Also, at least for a time, a pot of manna and Aaron's rod that budded were placed in the ark. Even though men could not see it, they would know God does not take His Word lightly and neither should we. The provision of God (the manna) and the dealings of God (the rod) is not forgotten by God and should not be by us.
On top of that gold covered ark was the solid gold mercy-seat with a crown of gold around it. A crown was around the gold altar that testified to the perfect work of God's Perfect Servant. The was a crown around the table of shewbread teaching us of the Perfect Manhood of the Lord Jesus. This crown around the mercy- seat tells us of His Perfect Deity. At the table He is the Prophet. At the golden altar He is the Priest and at the ark He is the King. The grate of the brazen altar, the table of shewbread and the mercy seat were all the same height. The heart of God provided the sacrifice that was needed at the altar. It sustains the believer in the light and fellowship of the dwelling place of God - the sanctuary (the table) and the heart of God brings the believer from the distance as a sinner, into the place of nearness and communion as a saint in fellowship and communion with Him.
Over that lid called the "mercy-seat" and made from the same piece of gold skillfully hammered out, were two cherubim with wings that covered or formed a screen over the lid sprinkled with the blood of atonement.
The mercy seat teaches us that propitiation has been made for sin. The publican prayed, "God be merciful (propitious) to me, the sinner." Judgment for sin has been carried out. Blood has been shed and applied in the right way. Mercy can be shown and the righteous government of the Holy God has been satisfied. Two witnesses to the righteousness of God being legally satisfied, now makes the presence of God with His people possible. The substitutionary work of Christ was effective then and is effective now. Sin has not been overlooked; it has to be righteously dealt with.
There were four gold rings and two staves covered with gold, to carry the ark of testimony. The ark never came to rest until it was placed in the temple and the staves were at last removed. Christ was a pilgrim when He was here on earth. He had a borrowed manger, a borrowed coin, a borrowed donkey and a borrowed tomb. He was on a journey and His people traveled with Him. We are strangers and pilgrims, and as the priests carried the ark with staves, so we are identified with our Lord in testimony as we journey to heaven. The four round rings teach us that from the four corners of earth, God has His people whom He loves and who identify themselves with Him as pilgrims. Whenever people saw that ark covered with blue moving in the middle of the traveling millions, they would know God was with them even as they journeyed. On the occasions when curious, self-centered men wanted to handle the ark in their own way, death was the result. To demean God in any way today and back then, has consequences that cannot be avoided. A Holy God, dwelling among holy people, must be approached in "the beauty of holiness" and worshipped "in Spirit and in truth."
Not a statue made like men or animals - not even a likeness of trees A box made of wood covered with gold - faith its significance sees. That ark had within it hidden from prying eyes - what is important to God. A pot of heavenly bread, a miracle rod and stones bearing God's own Word.
On top of the lid called the mercy-seat there was sprinkled seven drops of blood. Covering over that like a screen of safety were wings - the government of God. Two cherubim of gold made from the same piece, so mercy and divine government unite. It was all there just as God intended, yet hidden from man's natural sight.
When innocent blood of a chosen animal on a special day was shed, everyone would know As they watched and waited for the high priest to return whether God had accepted them or no. They might hear the sound of bells tinkling if they listened - the priest is still alive. When he returned perhaps with face aglow - they would know God is satisfied.
To enter into the presence of the Holy God is not some casual stroll we make. God knows our standing, that is secure, what is important now is our state. For us to approach God defiled in some way by sin we have allowed us to beset, Means our coming is not right, confession must be made, cleansing needs to take place yet.
To come into God's presence with reverence and godly fear, takes evaluation. Not just forgiveness by the blood Christ shed, but there needs to be holy consecration. We have the fellowship of life that is ours forever, but a daily salvation we need To maintain real communion and give joy in our soul, and willingness to our God give heed.
We have His Word, He has shown us His heart, it is towards us in love and grace. The life in Christ we live by faith, and large and small miracles we trace. Now in respect and reverence, with cleansed hands and soul we move to meet Him. And are welcomed at the mercy-seat and where God dwells, we are able to enter in.
"Holy God, my Father, I know those items inside the ark gave evidence to those people of Thy gracious heart. To me today that grace is still revealed - not only the perfections of the Lord Jesus but the love and grace within. I praise and thank Thee for this revelation to me in Thy Word, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."