“And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;  (4)  Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant” (Hebrews 9:3-4)

Paul told the Romans “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). The writer of Hebrews made a similar statement in Hebrews 10:1, setting forth that the law (i.e. the Old Testament) was a shadow of good things to come. This wisdom teaches us that when reading the Old Testament, if the vail has been removed from your eyes (2 Corinthians 3), we can see the spiritual truths of the New Testament. This is a beautiful blessing of the Holy Spirit; and He will lead and guide us into all truths.

In the days of old, as our text states, there was an Ark in the Temple of God which was located in Jerusalem. This place of worship was a glorious blessing to the people of the Lord and ministered to their spiritual necessities. Within this Ark were three objects/items which are symbolic of all that Jesus Christ is to the universal body of believers. In a few brief paragraphs, I would like to expound on the contents of The Ark of Truth.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

First, the golden pot with manna was placed in the Ark of Testimony as a token of remembrance of God’s provision for Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 16). The manna sustained their physical life while they were going through very turbulent times. Jesus said, “…I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger…” (John 6:35).

Maybe you are suffering from a very painful circumstance or an overwhelming trial, and your spiritual life is drained. I would advise you to go and gather some manna for strength. Prayer and communion with the Life of Christ will empower you for the days ahead. And His Life will sustain you in your wilderness.

Second, Aaron’s rod that budded was also put into the Ark to remind the Nation of Israel who it was that had the authority in leading the spiritual affairs of the people of God. The Levites, as were Aaron and Moses, were one of the twelve tribes of Israel; this was the tribe which was ordained of the Lord to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation (Numbers 18:6). It was their office to show the people the way of salvation. Moses lifted up the rod before the Red Sea, making the way to freedom. He also lifted this rod with a serpent on the end as the way of healing to the children of Israel. Jesus said, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up” (John 3:14). He also cried saying, “…I am the way …” (John 14:6).

Finally, the Tables of the Covenant were placed in the Ark to direct God’s people in the truth. “I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father… (6) And this is love, that we walk after his commandments…” (2 John 1:4, 6). Truth is personified in the life of Christ and will be produced through all those who believe in the Truth. He is our Covenant of Promise. “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17).

Jesus is the Rod that shows us the way; the Manna that gives us life; and the Table of the Covenant that will sanctify us through the Power of the Holy Spirit of Truth. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. May we never rebel against the Rod, despise the Manna, or profane the Covenant of God. “Now all these things happened unto them (Israel) for ensamples (examples): and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. (12) Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:11-12).

As Noah found grace in God’s sight and built an Ark of safety for a few, that is eight souls, from the judgment to come; may we take heed to the Words of the Son, believe, and enter the Ark of Truth.