How does the Ark's placement foreshadow Christ's role as our mediator? The Ark’s Placement in Exodus 26:34 “Place the mercy seat on the ark of the Testimony in the Most Holy Place.” (Exodus 26:34) • God positions the Ark at the very center of Israel’s worship—behind the veil, in the Most Holy Place. • Only one object shares that inner chamber: the mercy seat that covers the Ark. • One annual visitor is allowed inside—“the high priest … not without blood” (Hebrews 9:7). Why the Location Preaches the Gospel • Separation: A thick veil blocks every Israelite except the high priest, teaching that sin keeps humanity from God’s presence (Isaiah 59:2). • Nearness: Yet God dwells directly above the mercy seat (Exodus 25:22), signaling His desire to meet with His people. • A single, narrow path: One man, one day, one sacrifice—a preview of the one Mediator to come (1 Timothy 2:5). The Mercy Seat—Snapshot of Mediation • Hebrew kapporet means “place of atonement.” Blood is sprinkled here on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:14-15). • Inside the Ark lie the broken-law tablets; blood on the lid stands between the violated law and the holy God. • The Greek term hilastērion (“mercy seat”) reappears in Romans 3:25: “God presented Him as the mercy seat through faith in His blood.” Christ is the reality the object anticipated. Christ, the True Mercy Seat • Humanity & Deity joined: The Ark is wood overlaid with gold—an earthly material wrapped in heavenly glory. Jesus is fully man and fully God (John 1:14; Colossians 2:9). • Carried, then enthroned: The Ark journeys with Israel and finally rests in the temple; Christ walks among us, then sits “at the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:12). • Blood applied once for all: “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12). • Veil removed: “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19-20). The barrier Exodus shows is forever opened. Jesus—Our Once-for-All Mediator • Only one way in: “No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). • Perfect representation: He fulfils the law stored in the Ark (Matthew 5:17). • Continual intercession: “He always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25). • Secure access: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). Living in the Reality Today • Draw near confidently—Christ’s blood permanently covers the law we broke. • Rest from self-effort; the sacrifice is already offered and accepted. • Worship with reverence and joy: the holiness of the Most Holy Place now welcomes us. |
    |