and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All, which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant; and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.—Hebrews 9:3-5
This is the Most Holy Place where the ark of the covenant and the mercy seat dwelt—the place of atonement. “The Holiest of All” representative of being in Christ. It also contained the golden censer. The golden censer remind me of Christ’s intercession with the Father. My boast is in Christ and His atoning sacrifice for me. I am accepted in the Beloved not because of anything I have done, but because of His finished work on the cross at Calvary.
The golden pot with the manna causes me to remember His grace and favor toward me. He is my Provider and that only in Christ am I acceptable to God. In Him, I am kept separate from corruption in this world and in the next.
Aaron’s rod that budded reminds me of Christ’s omnipotence. All authority on heaven and earth has been given to Him. He is not only my Savior but my Lord. He desires my obedience. This is also the rod that was used to smote the rock (Christ) and from which the life giving water poured.
The tablets of the covenant remind me of the law that in my flesh I cannot keep. It is only in and through the grace by which Christ strengthens me that I can do anything good. Anything done without Him is as filthy rags.
Finally, the mercy seat is a picture of Christ...of His perfect righteousness that covers our sin.
I am very thankful this morning for the patterns and shadows of the Old Testament revealed in the New Testament...the substance is Christ.
