The articles kept inside the Ark of the
covenant are startling, not for their priceless worth but for their
unusual significance. One would expect priceless treasures of
precious gems or royal raiment but instead what you would find are a
jar of bread; Aaron's staff and the two tablets containing the 10
commandments. Why are these items startling? Because they are a
reminder of Israel's failures.
Well the tablet with the 10
commandments probably would be priceless today, but at that time they
were a reminder that Israel had not been able to live up to God's
standards for them. He therefore gave Moses the 10 commandments as a
guide to living a holy life, yet time and time again they broke them.
Aaron's staff is a reminder that Israel
has rebelled against Aaron becoming the High Priest and his family
line of the tribe of Levi being chosen as the priestly tribe.
Aaron's staff had budded after being left outside the Ark of the
covenant along with sticks from the other 11 tribe leaders. Of
course, only Aaron's staff budded proving his election.
The jar of bread is a reminder that God
had provided fresh manna from heaven every day that the Israelite's
wondered in the wilderness, yet they grumbled and complained at God's
provision.
What these amazing items say to me is
that although God hates our sin, He carries our failures close to His
heart. Yes God desires for us to grow in maturity as we live our
lives for Him, but He will always treasure our failures for with them
He displays the remarkable power of His forgiving grace.
Dedicated
in memory of Heather Hampton. A dear friend who passed away last
week. R.I.P Heather!
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