Open Temple, Ark in plain View

Tuesday   12-29-15  (Home in Modesto) 

Scripture reading:  Rev 10 - 14

S=Scripture  O=Observation  A=Application  P=Prayer  SOAP for the soul.

S.  Rev 11:19  Then, in heaven, the Temple of God was opened and the Ark of his covenant could be seen inside the Temple. Lightning flashed, thunder crashed and roared; there was a great hailstorm, and the world was shaken by a mighty earthquake. NLT

O.  There are only 2 mentions of the ark of the covenant in the New Testament.  One is in Hebrews 9:1-10 in which the writer describes the old covenant of limited priestly access to God and then contrasts that to the new covenant of an open access for all through Christ.  In the old covenant (testament) the ark of God, representing His Holiness in the tabernacle and later in the temple was always hidden from view behind a great thick curtain.  Now in John’s vision he sees the heavenly temple and the ark of the covenant is in plain view. 

A.  John’s vision is so powerful, so detailed and complicated that it makes my head spin.  I confess I cannot unravel its contents to set dates and times for future happenings.  Yet there are significant statements and symbols that are unmistakable.  The gospel accounts tell us the huge curtain was ripped from top to bottom the moment Jesus cried His dying words, “It is finished!”  And in that moment He purchased for me entrance into God’s Holy presence.

P.  Lord Jesus, today I have no excuse to ignore the access to the Holy of Holies, the throne room of my Heavenly Father.  Your sacrifice opened up the way for sinners to enter in where even the high priests of the Old Covenant entered with fear and trembling.  So I come, just as I am... with soiled clothing and sin-tainted soul and I rejoice to find Your covering and cleansing at the entrance... where once death was waiting to destroy me.  Thank You, Jesus.  No curtain!  John could see the ark in plain view inside the open temple!  Amen.

Ralph