Today's Reading: Exodus 37
As construction
of the Tabernacle progressed, the work became increasingly intricate and sacred.
Going from the outer courtyard to the framing of the tent, to the curtains and
draperies, and then progressing inward to The Holy Place and then to the Most
Holy Place, known as the “Holy of Holies.” This name emphasizes the sacredness
and purity of this special section of the Tent of Meeting which was set aside
for the worship of Yahweh.
The Holy
Place contained the table of showbread, the golden lampstand, and the altar of
incense, while the Most Holy Place contained the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark
was designed to contain the tablets of the Ten Commandments that Moses had
received from God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25:16), as well as other important
items such as Aaron's staff and a jar of manna (Exodus 16:33-34, Numbers
17:10). The Ark was considered to be the most holy object in the Most Holy
Place, as it was a symbol of God's presence among His people.
Exodus 37:9
describes the construction of the mercy seat, which was a sacred object that
was placed on top of the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place of the
tabernacle. The mercy seat was made of pure gold, and two cherubim (angelic
beings) made of gold were placed on top of it, with their wings outstretched
and facing each other. This was the place where humans would meet with and
commune with their God and where they could receive mercy, grace, and forgiveness
of their sins.
In the New
Testament, Jesus Christ is portrayed as the ultimate expression of God's mercy and
grace. Jesus' death on the cross is seen as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins
of humanity, providing a way for people to receive forgiveness and salvation
through faith in Him. This is referred to as the "mercy seat" or
"throne of grace" as it represents God's gracious and merciful
provision for humanity's redemption.
In Hebrews
4:16, it says, "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of
grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
This verse emphasizes that through Jesus Christ, (our “Mercy Seat”) believers can
approach God with confidence and find mercy and grace in their time of need.
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