Mementos in the Ark

The Mercy Seat (atoning cover)

The Ark of the Covenant was the article of furniture that was placed in the Holy of Holies of the tabernacle plan. The Ark consisted of a box, two cherubims, and a mercy seat. The mercy seat served as the lid of the box. The cherubims were seated on either end of the mercy seat. They were facing each other but looking down upon the mercy seat with their wings meeting in the middle.

Sprinkling of Blood

Once per year the High Priest was permitted to go into the Holy of Holies. His job was to take the blood from the sin offerings and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat. God would honor the sacrifice of the lamb without blemish and would forgive their sins.

 
Inside the Ark 

The scriptures tell us that three items were kept inside the Ark. The tablets of stone containing the Law, a dish of manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded. (Exodus 16:33, Exodus 40:20, Hebrews 9:4) I believe these are three significant mementos that served as a reminder of how God took care of His people. The manna showed that He provided for their natural needs. Aaron’s rod reminded them that He had endorsed them. The covenant stones were a reminder that He gave specific instructions for Israel to be successful.

 
Your Mercy Seat

All of us have our own mercy seat experience. What has God done for you since you received His mercy? When you feel like He is not concerned with your natural needs, remember how many times He provided for you before. When you find yourself doubting if God will ever prove to others that He is with you, look back to a time in your past when He showed you favor. If you ever begin to wonder if He will give you specific instructions on how to succeed, have a look under your mercy seat and remember how detailed He has been with instructions before.

Written by - Mike Verdin