How does Exodus 25:20 inspire us to honor God's presence in our community? The Setting: Cherubim over the Mercy Seat “ ‘The cherubim are to have wings spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings, facing one another with their faces toward the mercy seat.’ ” (Exodus 25:20) Key Observations from Exodus 25:20 • Wings “spread upward” – an attitude of lifting glory to God, not self. • “Overshadowing the mercy seat” – God’s presence is covered, guarded, and revered. • “Facing one another… toward the mercy seat” – unity among worshipers, yet all eyes fixed on the place of atonement. • Placed atop the Ark – literally the very center of Israel’s life with God. Timeless Principles for Today’s Community • Centrality of Mercy: The mercy seat prefigures Christ’s atoning work (Romans 3:25). Every gathering must keep His grace at the center. • Reverent Protection: Like the cherubim, believers “guard” the holiness of worship by refusing irreverence or compromise (1 Corinthians 3:17). • Upward Worship: Wings outstretched remind us our praise is directed heavenward, not horizontally toward applause (Psalm 99:1). • Unified Focus: Cherubim face each other but look toward God, modeling united fellowship that still keeps primary attention on Him (Philippians 2:2). Practical Ways to Honor God’s Presence in Community • Prioritize corporate worship where Scripture, prayer, and praise rise “upward.” • Teach sound doctrine that safeguards the gospel, echoing the cherubim’s protective posture (Jude 3). • Cultivate holy living that reflects the purity surrounding the Ark (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Extend mercy to one another, mirroring the very seat of mercy we stand beneath (Ephesians 4:32). • Maintain Christ-centered unity, refusing distractions that turn faces away from Him (Hebrews 12:2). Scriptures That Echo the Call • 1 Corinthians 3:16 – “Do you not know that you are God’s temple…?” • Matthew 18:20 – His presence promised where even two or three gather. • Hebrews 4:16 – Confidence to draw near the “throne of grace.” • 1 Peter 2:5 – A community of “living stones” built into a spiritual house. Conclusion: Living under the Wings Just as golden cherubim spread protective wings over the mercy seat, believers today create a community canopy of reverence, unity, and mercy. By centering every gathering on Christ’s atoning presence and guarding that focus with holy awe, we honor the God who dwells among us. |
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