Gems 2015 — January 30 Scripture Selection: Exodus 37-38

Guest post by Jeanette Andrade

January 30 Scripture Selection: Exodus 37-38

Food for Thought: Ex. 37:6-9

The Lord places such a high value on mercy and bestowing it on His people that He positioned it in the holiest place on earth as the focal point of the tabernacle and that which everything else depended upon. So great is His mercy!

In Leviticus 16:15, we see that the high priest was to kill the goat of the sin offering for the people and bring its blood inside behind the veil to the holy of holies to sprinkle it on and before the mercy seat. Innocent blood always had to be shed for the sins of the people, and Hebrews 9:6-15 provides a beautiful explanation of how this was to be symbolic of Christ being the Great High Priest Who sprinkled His own blood on the heavenly mercy seat as the ultimate sacrifice, taking the place of the inferior sacrifices. The sacrifice of God’s only Son was the greatest display of His extravagant mercy, as expressed in Ephesians 2:4 : “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).”

As a perpetual reminder and testimony of His immense love and mercy, His blood remains on the heavenly mercy seat, making it possible for us to continuously receive His mercy and bountiful blessings. It is thanks to His sacrifice that we can now come boldly at any time before His throne to obtain mercy and find grace for help in every situation (Heb. 4:16). For that very reason, and as recipients of that sure mercy, “we do not lose heart (II Cor. 4:1),” regardless of the circumstances.

Writing of the abundance of His mercy (Ps. 5:7), the psalmist expressed that it was his source for salvation (not just of his soul, but salvation in every situation) and motive of great joy (Ps. 13:5). He realized that “mercy surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord (Ps. 32:10).” Praise God, the Lord has extended this perfect mercy and made it available to all mankind, from generation to generation (Luke 1:50), and those who fear Him and put their trust in Him tap into it and receive the constant benefits of it. That is why we, too, can say,“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life (Ps. 23:6).”

Digging Deeper (What scriptures can further enhance today’s reading?):

Getting Personal (What has God shown you in today’s reading?):

Confession of Faith (Example: Lord, based on Mat. 1:21 and 23, I understand that Jesus is God, and I receive Him as my personal Lord and Savior.):

Important Events on This Day (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.):