From the Ark to the Altar: The Lion of Judah Reigns
The Glory Revealed: A Sunday Devotional for jacobsimham.com
In the ancient Tabernacle, tucked behind thick curtains of blue, purple, and scarlet, sat a chest of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold. It was the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred object in Israel’s history. For generations, it represented the unreachable, concentrated presence of the Almighty. But on this Sunday—this Lord’s Day—we celebrate a radical transformation. The “Meeting Place” is no longer a hidden chamber in a desert tent; it is a spiritual reality accessible to every believer through Jesus Christ.
Today, we journey from the shadow of the Ark to the light of the Altar. We move from the silence of the Law to the roar of the Lion of Judah.
1. The Lion’s Victory: Tearing the Veil
In the book of Exodus, the Ark was the designated place where God promised to “meet with” Moses. However, this meeting was heavily restricted. Only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies once a year, and even then, with fear and trembling. The glory was real, but it was veiled.
The victory of Jesus Christ, often referred to in the Book of Revelation as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, changed the spiritual geography of the universe. When Christ cried out, “It is finished,” the heavy veil of the temple—the very barrier that separated common man from the Mercy Seat—was torn from top to bottom.
What does this mean for your Sunday worship?
In many Bible-based churches across the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, we often treat Sunday as a routine. But the Lion’s victory reminds us that our gathering is a revolutionary act. Because the Lion has conquered, you no longer need a human mediator to hear the voice of God. When we stand together in corporate worship, we aren’t just singing songs; we are standing collectively “between the cherubim.”
The Lion of Judah doesn’t just invite us into the room; He invites us to the throne. This Sunday, acknowledge that the silence has been broken. The King is speaking, and the way is open.
2. The Power of Mercy: Why the Cover Matters
One of the most profound symbols in the Tabernacle was the Mercy Seat (the Kapporet), which served as the lid or “cover” for the Ark. Inside the Ark were the Tablets of the Law—the Ten Commandments. This physical arrangement carries an eternal spiritual truth: Mercy sits on top of the Law.
The Law is holy and just, but for fallen humanity, the Law only points to our shortcomings. It reminds us of where we have failed to meet God’s standard. But the Mercy Seat, sprinkled with blood, represents the atonement of Jesus Christ.
In modern life—whether you are navigating the high-pressure environments of New York City, the tech hubs of Toronto, or the historic streets of London—the weight of “the law” often feels like the weight of expectation, guilt, and past mistakes.
His Mercy Covers Your Past: This Sunday, remember that when God looks down at the “Law” you have broken, He sees the “Mercy” that covers it. The blood of the Lamb has satisfied the requirements of the Law. You are not defined by your history of failure; you are defined by His history of faithfulness.
His Voice Directs Your Future: The Mercy Seat wasn’t just a place for the covering of sin; it was the place of revelation. Exodus 25:22 says, “There, above the cover between the two cherubim… I will meet with you and give you all my commands.” Once the mercy covers your past, you are in the perfect position to hear the directions for your future. Divine guidance is the fruit of divine mercy.
3. Corporate Worship: The Power of the Collective Encounter
In the Western world, specifically in contemporary Christian culture, we often focus heavily on “personal” devotions. While your private walk is vital, there is a unique glory revealed when the Body of Christ gathers on Sunday.
The Ark was the center of the camp. When the Ark moved, the nation moved. When the glory settled on the Ark, the nation rested. There is a specific “weight” of God’s presence (the Kabod) that is manifest when we gather for Sunday morning service.
When we worship together, we create a dwelling place for God. We are “living stones” being built into a spiritual house. If you are feeling weary or disconnected, the remedy is often found in the corporate encounter. There is a strength in the “Lion’s roar” that comes from the unified voice of the church. This Sunday, don’t just “watch” a service—engage in the atmosphere of the throne room.
4. Call to Action: Don’t Just Attend, Encounter
It is easy to become a “consumer” of Sunday services. We look for the best music, the most engaging sermon, or the most comfortable seating. But the Word of God calls us to something deeper: a specific, life-altering encounter with the King.
Expect the King to Speak:
The throne of grace is not a silent monument; it is an active seat of government. Go to your local church today with an expectation that the King has a specific “word” for your situation.
- Are you facing a career crisis?
- Is there a rift in your family?
- Are you struggling with a sense of purpose?
The King speaks from the Mercy Seat. He speaks words of peace, words of correction, and words of destiny.
Step Into the Light:
The Ark is no longer hidden. The glory is no longer a secret. This Sunday, step out of the shadows of your own efforts and into the light of His finished work. The Lion of Judah has reigned, the Mercy Seat is occupied by our Great High Priest, and the invitation is extended to you.
Reflective Prayer for jacobsimham.com Readers
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the Lion of Judah who has torn the veil for me. Today, I refuse to stand at a distance. I come boldly to the Throne of Grace, knowing that Your mercy covers my past and Your voice directs my future. As I join with my brothers and sisters in worship today, let me hear Your voice from between the cherubim. Change my heart, renew my mind, and lead me into the purpose You have for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
