Exodus 37:1–2: “Then Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood; two and a half cubits was its length, a cubit and a half its width, and a cubit and a half its height. He overlaid it with pure gold inside and outside, and made a molding of gold all around it.”

December 11th, 2022 by Pastor Ed in devotional

The very specific instructions given for the Ark of the Covenant’s construction helped to underscore its importance. And it was important because it was where God met with His people, between the 2 cherubim, on the Day of Atonement, described in Leviticus 16:1–20. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest would sprinkle blood on the lid (or “kappo,” which is where we get “Yom Kippur”). The blood was to make atonement for Israel’s sin. This small wooden box with its pure gold cover symbolized the atonement that would later be finished by the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who by His shed blood became the ultimate atonement for sin, for all who would come to Him. But until His coming, this ark was the centerpiece of tabernacle and temple worship for centuries.

Even the construction of it spoke of Jesus: a chest made of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold. The wood pointed to Jesus’ humanity and the gold pointed to His deity. It would eventually contain the 2 tablets of stone inscribed with the Ten Commandments, a golden pot of manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded. The little phrase “pure gold” in verse 2 says it all. The gold was not to be combined or amalgamated with anything. It was to be pure gold. Purity was the summary of who Jesus was and is today.

Since we do not have the power to keep ourselves pure and lead a pure life, we need God. Paul wrote these words of encouragement about Jesus: “who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14). Jesus died on the cross not only to provide us with salvation but also to purify us. We remember that Jesus never does anything without our permission. He invites but never forces or compels. Therefore, we must ask Him to refine us.

LORD JESUS, please refine us and make us more pure this day.”