Ancient religious artifacts of the Old Testament are actually object lessons for us, today.
The Tabernacle is symbolical of the human body, soul, and spirit. The Ark of the Covenant symbolical of the believer’s “heart” — covered with Christ, sheltered under angelic protection, the place where we hear God’s voice.
The items inside the Ark of the Covenant are symbolical, too. A copy of the Law was put there representing the God’s law written in our hearts, Aaron’s rod was placed inside symbolical of us being personally chosen by God for his service.
There was something else there, too — a jar of Manna.
The Israelites quickly ran out of food on their trek to the Promised Land so God sent what they called, “Manna”, meaning “What is it?”. An important fact about Manna was its shelf life — one day. Whatever wasn’t eaten that day went rancid with two exceptions — the manna gathered on Friday remained good through the Sabbath and the manna Moses put inside the Ark of the Covenant never went bad.
Jesus said his body was the true “Manna” from heaven. He said his followers would eat his flesh and drink his blood — well, that caused quite a stir! They had a hard time with metaphors. That manna inside the Ark could represent Jesus in our hearts (we are all free to draw our own conclusions) but I think it primarily symbolizes God’s sustaining power through difficulties.
Anyone can make it through the easy stuff — but what about when life gets hard and lonely? Christ’s followers have some unique internal resources to sustain through trial and that sustaining presence of Jesus never goes rancid.
“Peace I leave with you,” Jesus said, “My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
When the natural resources of those around us play out and we continue to press into God’s grace with peace, that’s when opportunities arise to point to Jesus.
Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you — 1st Peter 3:15
— fritz
1 – Hebrews 9:4, Exodus 25:10-20, Numbers 17:10
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