COVERED BY MERCY
“I will meet with you there and talk to you from above the atonement cover between the gold cherubim that hover over the Ark of the Covenant. From there I will give you My commands for the people of Israel.”
Exodus 25:22 (NLT)
The Ark of the Covenant was one of the most sacred objects in Israel’s story. More than just a gold-covered chest, it was a reminder that God was near. Often called the Ark of the Lord or the Ark of the Testimony, it was placed in the Most Holy Place, where no one could enter except the high priest, and only once a year.
Inside the Ark were three things: the tablets of the Law, a jar of manna, and Aaron’s staff. Each told part of the story of God’s provision and the people’s failures. But what sat on top of the Ark was even more important. It was called the mercy seat. That’s where the high priest would sprinkle the blood of a sacrifice on the Day of Atonement, asking God to forgive the sins of the people.
The message was clear: The Law showed what we had broken. But God’s mercy would cover it.
This is where God said He would meet His people, not from the place of judgment inside the Ark, but from the place of mercy above it. God’s voice came from above the mercy seat, where blood had been shed.
This beautiful image points us to Jesus. His blood was the final sacrifice. His mercy doesn’t just cover our sin temporarily; it removes the guilt forever. When we come to God, we don’t stand on our performance. We come because mercy has made a way.
You might be carrying reminders of where you have fallen short. But just like the Ark, God places mercy over all of it. He doesn’t meet you with shame. He meets you with grace.
APPLICATION: What part of your story do you believe God couldn’t forgive? Bring it to Him today. Picture the mercy seat above the law, and know that Jesus has already covered it.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You that I don’t have to be perfect to come close. Thank You that Jesus took my place and made a way. Help me live in that grace today. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?