Introduction

Good morning, beloved friends and family. It is indeed a joyous occasion to stand before you today, to share in the wisdom and love of our Almighty God. As we gather here, let us remember that we are not merely attendees in this sacred place, but active participants in the divine narrative that God has been writing since the dawn of creation. Today, we turn our hearts and minds to a significant symbol in our faith - the Mercy Seat.

This Mercy Seat, a term that may seem archaic or foreign to some, is a treasure trove of divine revelation. It is a beacon of God's mercy, a testament to His love, and a symbol of His unfathomable grace. It is a place where justice and mercy meet, where God and man commune, and where sin is atoned for by divine love. It is, in essence, the very heart of the Gospel message.

We find the Mercy Seat first mentioned in the book of Exodus, then elaborated upon in Leviticus, and finally, given a new depth of meaning in the book of Hebrews.

Manifestation of the Mercy Seat in Exodus

The revered Christian theologian, A.W. Tozer, once wrote, "The atonement in Jesus Christ's blood is perfect; there isn't anything that can be added to it. It is spotless, impeccable, flawless. It is perfect as God is perfect." So, as we ponder on the Mercy Seat, we are indeed contemplating the very essence of the Gospel, the love of God made manifest.

Let us read together the passages from Scripture.

[Insert Scripture Here]

Let's bow our heads in prayer. Gracious and Loving Father, we thank You for Your word, which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. As we meditate upon the Mercy Seat today, illuminate our hearts and minds, that we may grasp the depth of Your mercy and love. Help us to see Christ, our High Priest, who entered the Holy of Holies on our behalf, securing our redemption through His precious blood. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Transition. So, as we come before the Mercy Seat today, let us do so with open hearts and minds, ready to receive what the Lord has in store for us.

1. Manifestation of the Mercy Seat in Exodus

The book of Exodus introduces us to the Mercy Seat. It's described as a place of divine meeting, a sacred spot where God would commune with His people. This is not just any place, but a specific location crafted with precise instructions from God Himself. It is in this context that we first encounter the Mercy Seat, a place of divine encounter, a testament to God's desire to dwell among His people.

The Mercy Seat was part of the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold. Inside this Ark were the tablets of the law, a jar of manna, and Aaron's rod that budded. These items were reminders of God's faithfulness, His provision, and His authority. Yet, it was the Mercy Seat that covered these items, a golden lid adorned with two cherubim facing each other. This was the place where God chose to meet with His people, above the law, the manna, and the rod. It was here, at the Mercy Seat, that God's presence would dwell.

The design of the Mercy Seat is also of significance. Crafted of pure gold and adorned with two cherubim, it was a place of divine beauty. The cherubim, heavenly beings known for their closeness to God, were positioned with their wings spread out, overshadowing the Mercy Seat. Their faces were turned toward each other and down toward the Mercy Seat. This positioning is symbolic, representing the reverence and awe due to God's presence and His mercy.

The Mercy Seat was also a symbol of God's desire to dwell with His people, to communicate with them, and to extend His mercy to them. It was a place where God's presence was manifest, where His voice was heard, and where His commands were given. Here is where there would be divine encounters, a meeting point between the holy God and His chosen people.

The Mercy Seat was also a place of atonement. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies with the blood of a sacrificed animal. He would sprinkle this blood on the Mercy Seat, making atonement for the sins of the people. This act was a vivid reminder of the cost of sin and the necessity of a blood sacrifice for atonement. Yet, it also pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice that would be made by Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

In the Mercy Seat, we see a picture of God's holiness and His mercy. We see His desire to dwell among His people and to communicate with them. We see His provision for atonement and His promise of redemption. We see a foreshadowing of the ultimate Mercy Seat, Jesus Christ, who would not only cover our sins but take them away completely. In the Mercy Seat, we see the heart of God, a God of mercy and grace, a God who desires to dwell with His people.

Transition. So, as we reflect on the Mercy Seat as it is presented in the book of Exodus, let us remember that it is more than just a physical location or a beautifully crafted piece of furniture. It is a symbol of God's mercy, a place of divine encounter, and a foreshadowing of the ultimate act of redemption through Jesus Christ. Let us approach this Mercy Seat with reverence and awe, recognizing the holiness of God and the depth of His mercy toward us.

Meaning of the Mercy Seat in Leviticus

In Leviticus, the Mercy Seat takes on a deeper significance ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO