Fri.’s Devo - The Ark of the Covenant

Read Ex. 37:1-9 I know we have been over this before in Ex. 26, but every time I study this I get fresh revelation; so let’s go over it again. Beezaleel, which means the shadow or protection of God made the ark first, which would embody the presence of God. It is made of shittim wood (the acacia tree) which has scourging thorns on it. The wood was good for building but you had to endure the thorns to get to the good wood. God had to endure seeing his son scourged and brutally crucified in order to reap a people of his own. Jesus had to endure the cross that we might obtain the inheritance. Roses grow amidst thorns. This ark was 3 and 3/4 feet x 2 and 1/4 feet x 2 and 1/4 feet deep. It was crowned with gold and totally covered with gold just in case we couldn’t figure out this stood for God. It had 4 rings on the corners where the wooden poles were put to carry it. The poles were made from the branches of the acacia tree then covered with gold. Is. 11:1 says, “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: and the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him.” Then he made a mercy seat to sit on top of the ark with two cherubim’s kneeling on top of it. They were both hewn from the same gold rock. I Co. 10:4 says speaking of the children of Israel in their wanderings: “And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” Jesus was put in a grave hewn from one stone. The angels were beaten into form just as Jesus learned obedience through the things he suffered. These cherubim’s bowed in the presence of God just as all heaven does. They spread out their wings to cover the mercy seat. There are so many references to the shadow of God’s wings but here is a great one: “How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.” Ps. 36:7. Malachi prophesied of a people that would fear his name and for them, the Sun of righteousness will arise with healing in his wings. I am contending for the day we will do the “greater works” Jesus talked about. Lord, we worship your holiness and your great wisdom.