Light Exposes, Love Forgives: Living Honestly

Doris’ Thursday morning Bible study reviewed several movies like E.T., Singing in the Rain, & Casablanca as part of our Biblical Beliefs on the Big Screen study. Today, we’ll focus on the Ark of the Covenant from Indiana Jones – Raiders of the Lost Ark.

     Aside: Unlike Indiana Jones, most archaeologists never achieve great success, since their careers are mostly spent in ruins.

About 1 year after the Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt, they are encamped at the foot of Mount Sinai. God gives Moses instructions on how to construct an Ark. The Ark is roughly 4 feet long, 3 feet high, & 3 feet wide. The Ark was made of Acacia wood, which is very dense, has a beautiful grain, & is impervious to rotting. Some scholars suggest that the deliberate choice of this type of wood symbolizes that God & His mercy is incorruptible/perfect for all time. The Ark was then covered in gold. 

     Aside: Sadly, like Indiana Jones, archeologists like dating a lot of people so it’s hard for them to settle down in a long-term relationship. (Indy also had some bad dates – Editor.)

Per Hebrews 9:4 the Ark of the Covenant contained the following:
–The 2^nd copy of the 10 Commandments – representing God’s law. (Moses destroyed the 1st copy when the Israelites disobeyed God.)
–A gold jar of manna from the wandering in the wilderness – representing God providing for our needs
–Aaron’s budded rod – representing a royal priesthood. (After another rebellion against God, God ordered each tribe to place their rod in the tabernacle overnight with their name on it.  Aaron’s rod, representing the priestly tribe of Levites, sprouted & produced almonds representing God’s blessing of the priesthood.)

Interestingly, we read throughout the Hebrew Bible of the Ark’s amazing powers:

• It helps part the Jordan River so the Israelites can cross on dry land.
• It helps cause the walls of Jericho to tumble down.
• It leads the Israelites into many successful battles.
• When captured by the Philistines, it causes all sorts of medical issues for the Philistines.
• And, if touched inappropriately, it can cause instant death.

     Aside: There are rumors of a plot for Indiana Jones VI where the now quite elderly Indiana unsuccessfully searches for Cleopatra’s Tomb.  The working title is “Indiana Jones & the Irritable Trowel Syndrome.”

For me, the most intriguing part of the Ark is the top. The lid of the Ark was made of solid gold & had cherubim on each end. The area between the 2 winged angels (who are facing each other) is called the “Mercy Seat.” On the Day of Atonement, the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies & sprinkle the blood of a sacrificed bull on the Mercy Seat to atone for the sins of the people of Israel. Some scholars (including our favorite son scholar Adam Hamilton–see his book John: The Gospel of Light and Life, p. 150) cite John’s description in 20:11-12, as an indicator that the Empty Tomb may have become the new Mercy Seat for our atonement.

So, how might this historical information help us in our quest to add to our understanding of today’s passage? 

I find it fascinating that at the exact same time God establishes His law for His people, He simultaneously creates a mechanism, via the Mercy Seat, to offer grace & forgiveness. The law tells us that God desires that we would strive for perfection to be in sync with Him. The Mercy Seat tells us that God, in His wisdom, knows full well that we will struggle & often fall short of this standard. So, instead of leaving His children in a state of hopelessness & despair, our loving God offers us unearned, unmerited grace & a path to atonement. Now, THAT is a blockbuster discovery.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to make like Indiana Jones & begin the process to shop for a new outdoor barbecue. I’m calling it the Quest for the Holy Grill.