April 18, 2023
Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. Revelation 11:19a
Yesterday we reviewed the fallen church’s abuse of her power to shut down the witnessing of those who recognized her anti-biblical themes and dared to speak up. Indeed, countless millions of witnesses were silenced during the Dark Ages. The symbolic seven-branch candlestick was seemingly snuffed out. Yet the true message of light, from the days of the Apostolic Church, has continued to spread through those referred to as the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ (Revelation 12:17b KJV). They believed that God desired them to let their light shine by sharing with others the truths found in His word.
Our sanctuary journey culminates in the Most Holy Place. In our opening verse, Yahweh points us to the ark of His covenant in His [heavenly] temple. The previous three articles of temple furniture mentioned are placed in the first compartment called the Holy Place. The ark is the only article of furniture in the innermost room of the sanctuary, the Most Holy Place. The ark contains the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments. Yahweh knew that the enemy would cast down and trample upon the covenant with His people. This gracious, end-time reminder helps to bring our focus back to the plan of salvation, a complete and perfect plan.
The stone tables of the Testimony, written by the finger of God, were given to Moses for a written reminder and reference of God’s great moral law (Exodus 31:18). Yahweh has the divine power to write it upon the hearts of all who desire to enter into covenant with Him (Jeremiah 31:33, Hebrews 8:10). This is the essential difference between the old and new covenants. When the eternal law of love is written upon one’s heart, the will of that person moves toward perfect alignment with the will of Yahweh. It may not happen all at once. Nevertheless, our confidence is in Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
I am overwhelmed with thankfulness that our loving God has the power to change my heart. As the divine Gentleman of the universe that He is, He patiently waits for my invitation to enter in and perform His miraculous work; work that needs doing in every room of my heart. Instead of hearing the Ten Commandments as distasteful “orders” from someone I do not genuinely love, I now hear them as exactly what I would desire for my own personal will. This is the new direction of my life. This is the new covenant in “real time.”
When Yahweh spoke His covenant from the top of Mount Sinai, He reminded the Israelites of His love in saving them first! Reciprocation of that love brings a deep desire to please Him. Do you want to love Him above all else? Are you thankful that, in His mercy, He is able to cleanse you from idolatry? Do you want to bring honor to His name? Do you want to remember His chosen time for renewal and special fellowship with Him? The first four commandments are all about that vital relationship with Him; one that determines alignment of your will regarding treatment of fellow human beings (covered by the last six commandments).
Jesus said to [the lawyer], “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ “This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ “On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40