Scripture: Exodus 37:1-39:31
Honestly, I skimmed over the repeated details of today’s reading. I skimmed, that is, until I came to Exodus 37:9:
"The cherubim faced each other and looked down on the atonement cover. With their wings spread above it, they protected it."
Isn't that beautiful? Oh, it gets better. Wait until you see how the Lord tied the details of this project together.
Bezalel was the craftsman God appointed to build the Ark. His name means “in the shadow (protection) of God.” We can connect the dots with the meaning of His name to the wings spread out to protect the mercy seat. Everything God does is intentional and with great purpose. It’s no accident He chose Bezalel as His craftsman.
Can you picture the lampstand lit, casting a shadow over the mercy seat, the dwelling place of the Presence of God? The beauty and majesty would have been breathtaking.
When reading through the grandeur and awe of the Ark and Tabernacle, sometimes it’s hard to believe we now have access, through Jesus, to the presence of God. Pause to allow that reality to sink in. While the cherubim covered the mercy seat, God covers us. We rest in His shelter.
Guard me as you would guard your own eyes. Hide me in the shadow of your wings. (Psalm 17:8)
How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. (Psalm 36:7)
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by. (Psalm 57:1)
Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. (Psalm 63:7)
God’s shelter is our place of refuge. He is always there. What a glorious thought!
