REVELATION 11:19
by Mako Kato
Here we are at the end of the seventh trumpet. We’re halfway through the book of Revelation and transitioning. John sees God’s temple in heaven and the ark of the covenant inside the temple. There was also lightning, rumblings, thunder, an earthquake and hail. I don’t know about you, but it sounds like some important events are underway.
But it’s the image of the ark of the covenant that makes me stop and think. There must be something we can learn from this image in the goings on of Revelation. The ark was the symbol of God’s presence among Israel. It served to hold the two tablets of the Law given to Moses (Exodus 25:16), and also held a golden urn with manna and Aaron’s budded staff. It was held in the Holy of Holies. Into this area, only the high priest was allowed. On it’s top was the mercy seat. The high priest went once a year to the mercy seat, bringing the blood of animals to atone for the sins of Israel.
In Hebrews we read about the significance of Jesus Christ as our high priest. Christ entered into the holy places “not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:12 ESV) He offered his own blood for our sins. It was the only way for us to be saved. The earthly ark of the Covenant was lost in the exile, but it is no longer necessary. It is part of the Old Covenant. We are part of the New Covenant with Christ as our high priest. We can live differently now. The author of Hebrews writes:
“Therefore brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Hebrews 10:19-25 ESV
And “the Day” is drawing near when our high priest will return. We don’t know the day or the hour, but in the meantime we can build our relationship with God, holding “fast the confession of our hope” and continuing to encourage and meet with other believers.
