Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant.
Hebrews 9:1-4 BSB
The construction of the Tabernacle of Moses was given as a picture of heavenly reality. It included “regulations for worship.” In our day, Jesus has provided us with access to the real thing, and He has taken over as our High Priest. In this description, we learn that the Ark of the Covenant where God presided in the Holy of Holies, contained three items. Of all the things God could have placed at the center of worship, in a place that only He could see, these are what He chose. They must be important!
- The jar of manna. Manna was given to Israel with a two-fold purpose: supernatural provision and a test of obedience to God’s Word (Dt 8:1-3). Manna is a reminder of the importance of God’s Word, and of doing things His way. When we do, He provides. His Word is life to those that find it and health to all their flesh (Proverbs 4:21-22).
- Aaron’s budded rod. God caused the rod to bud out in order to demonstrate the authority He had bestowed on Aaron and Moses. He said it would be a sign to the rebels (Num 17:1-10). God gives authority along with responsibility to carry out His assignments in the earth (Hebrews 13:17/Luke 10:17-20). He expects rebels, human and spiritual, to take heed.
- The two tablets of stone. We usually call them the Ten Commandments. They were the written token of the Covenant. They were God’s initial revelation of moral and ethical behavior befitting a people He had chosen as His representatives in the earth. (Exodus 19:3-6) We are supposed to be different!
As we gather with the other saints today, we can learn some things about worship from what God placed close to His heart. Go valuing the Word and believing God that He will speak to you from it. He will provide supernatural bread. Go with an understanding of authority. Honor the spiritual authorities in your life, and use the authority you have been given as a believer. Speak to the rulers of the darkness of this world to dispel the darkness and unblind minds. Remember the God who saved you and the Covenant He gave you. Listen for ways you can live more like a representative of the Most High God. Come and go with me to my Father’s house.
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