Meeting the King: Exodus 25:22 Meaning & Your Divine Appointment
Beyond the Veil: The Place of Appointment
Encountering the King at the Mercy Seat
In the vast landscape of Biblical history, few objects carry the weight, mystery, and divine gravity of the Ark of the Covenant. As described in Exodus 25, God provided Moses with a blueprint for a sanctuary—a place where the Creator of the universe would dwell among His people. However, the climax of these instructions is found in Exodus 25:22, a verse that serves as the ultimate invitation to intimacy:
“There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the covenant law, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites.”
At Jacobsimham.com, we recognize the Lion of Judah not only as a conquering King but as the one who guards and facilitates this sacred meeting. Today, we dive deep into the significance of “The Place of Appointment” and what it means for you to step beyond the veil and into the presence of the Living God.
1. The Geometry of Grace: More Than Furniture
When we look at the description of the Mercy Seat (the Kapporet), it is easy to get lost in the gold, the dimensions, and the craftsmanship. But for the believer today, the Mercy Seat represents the intersection of Heaven and Earth.
In the ancient Tabernacle, the Ark contained the Law—the tablets that reminded the people of their inability to be perfect. If the Ark remained open, it would be a throne of judgment. However, God commanded a “cover” of pure gold to be placed over it. This cover was the Mercy Seat.
The Lion’s Perspective:
Just as the Lion of Judah stands as the ultimate protector of His pride, the Mercy Seat protected the people from the judgment of the Law. It was the place where blood was sprinkled to atone for sin. Today, your “Mercy Seat” is not a physical artifact lost to history; it is the finished work of Jesus Christ. Because the Lion has triumphed, the seat of judgment has been permanently transformed into a throne of grace.
2. The Promise of Presence: “There I Will Meet With You”
The most striking part of Exodus 25:22 is God’s intentionality. He doesn’t say, “There you might find me,” or “There I will judge you.” He says, “There I will meet with you.”
God is a God of the appointed place. In the Old Covenant, that place was restricted to the High Priest once a year. In the New Covenant, through the roar of the Lion of Judah that tore the veil from top to bottom, that “appointed place” is now accessible to every believer.
The Sanctuary of the Heart
In our modern, noisy world, we often struggle to find “the place.” We look for God in our successes, our social media feeds, or our busy schedules. But God points us back to the Quiet Place.
- He is not a distant ruler: He is a Father who keeps His calendar open for His children.
- He is not an abstract concept: He is a person who desires a face-to-face encounter.
When you step into prayer today, you aren’t just performing a religious duty; you are keeping an appointment with the King of Kings.
3. The Lion’s Presence: Guarding the Sanctity of Communion
In Exodus, two Cherubim of hammered gold stood at the ends of the Mercy Seat, their wings overshadowing the place of meeting. They were guardians of the holiness of God.
In the spiritual realm, the Lion of Judah performs this role for us. He guards the sanctity of our communion. When the enemy comes to whisper accusations or tell you that you are unworthy to enter the Presence, the Lion roars. His righteousness is your covering.
The Strength of the Lion in your Prayer Life:
- Protection: He shields your mind from distractions and spiritual attacks while you seek Him.
- Authority: He validates your right to be there. You do not enter the presence of God as a beggar, but as a child of the King, backed by the authority of the Lion’s blood.
- Holiness: He sanctifies your heart, making your “inner room” a fit place for the King to dwell.
4. The Takeaway: Finding Your “Between the Cherubim”
What does it mean for us on a practical Friday? It means that God is waiting for you in the “between” spaces. Between your chores, between your meetings, and most importantly, in the intentional “between” space of your private devotion.
We must move past the idea that God only speaks in the Great Cathedral or the massive worship concert. The verse specifies that He speaks from between the cherubim—a space that, while small in physical dimension, was infinite in spiritual power.
God is waiting for you in the quiet place. He is looking for the Jacob who is willing to wrestle until the break of day, the “Lion” who is bold enough to approach the throne. Do not let this day pass without acknowledging the Appointment. The King has cleared His schedule for you; have you cleared yours for Him?
5. Divine Directions: The Voice of the Lion
The end of Exodus 25:22 mentions that God would give “all my commands” from that spot. We often want God’s direction (the commands) without God’s presence (the meeting).
We want to know:
- Which job should I take?
- How do I fix this relationship?
- What is my purpose?
God’s strategy is simple: The meeting precedes the mandate. If you want the “commands” for your life, you must first settle into the “Mercy Seat.” When we sit at His feet, the roar of the Lion becomes the gentle whisper of a Guide. You will find that when you focus on the Presence, the Direction follows naturally.
6. Prayer Focus: Sharpening Your Spiritual Ears
As you conclude this reading and move into your personal time with the Lord, let this be your focus. We are living in a world of high-definition noise, but we need High-Definition Hearing.
Today’s Prayer:
“Lord, I thank You for the Mercy Seat. I thank You that the Lion of Judah has made a way for me to step beyond the veil. Today, I ask that You would sharpen my ears. Let me not be distracted by the winds or the earthquakes of life, but let me hear the distinct voice that speaks from between the cherubim. I bring my heart to the Place of Appointment. Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening. Amen.”
Reflection Questions for the Jacobsimham Community:
- What “veil” is currently keeping you from the Place of Appointment (Fear, Busyness, Guilt)?
- How can you intentionally create a “Mercy Seat” environment in your home today?
- What is the Lion of Judah saying to the “lions” in your life—your challenges and obstacles—as you enter His presence?
Final Thought:
The gold of the Mercy Seat was “pure.” There was no dross in it. When you meet with God today, bring your “pure” self—your honest thoughts, your real pains, and your genuine worship. The Lion is ready to meet you there.
Check back tomorrow for Part 2: The Voice in the Silence, as we explore how to translate the meeting into movement.
