Brief Summary
In this sermon, Tim Hill connects the intricate details of the Ark of the Covenant with the transformative power of God's presence and the trials of life. He explains how God uses the "hammer blows" of life's challenges to shape individuals into vessels of praise and worship. The sermon emphasizes that God can turn evil intentions into good, weaving a new robe of righteousness and glory from the threads of adversity.
- The Ark of the Covenant symbolizes God's presence and points to Christ.
- God uses life's trials ("hammer blows") to shape individuals for His purpose.
- God can transform evil intentions into good, creating a new path of victory.
The Smith and the Ark of the Covenant
Isaiah 44:12 describes a Smith working with coals and hammers to fashion metal, prefiguring the creation of the Ark of the Covenant. In Exodus 25, God instructs Moses to create the Ark, including a mercy seat of pure gold with cherubim made of beaten work. The use of the hammer in the hands of a skilled artisan is significant. The Ten Commandments, a golden pot of manna, and Aaron's rod were inside the Ark.
Symbolism of the Ark's Construction
The Ark of the Covenant, made of wood overlaid with gold, symbolizes Jesus Christ. The wood represents His humanity, while the gold represents His deity. The wood reminds us of Jesus' earthly experiences, such as thirst and hunger, while the gold reminds us of His divine nature as the living water and the living bread.
Contents and Mobility of the Ark
Inside the Ark were a golden pot of manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the Ten Commandments. The word of God is central to the presence of God. The Ark was designed to be mobile, with rings and poles for the priests to carry it on their shoulders. This mobility signifies that God's presence is not confined to one place but moves with His people.
The Mercy Seat and the Cherubim
The mercy seat on top of the Ark is a place of mercy, not judgment or condemnation. God instructed Moses to create cherubim on top of the mercy seat, representing the winged creatures of praise and worship in the heavenly realms. These cherubim, created through the work of a Smith, symbolize the atmosphere of worship and glory that surrounds God's presence.
The Hammer Blows of Life
God uses the "hammer blows" of life—trials, misunderstandings, and criticisms—to shape individuals into vessels of praise and worship. These trials, like the stirring of coals, create an environment where individuals become pliable and flexible, allowing God to mold them according to His purpose. The goal is to create a place where God can dwell, with angels (believers) on either side, touching in unity and worship.
God's Weaving and Transformation
Drawing from the story of Joseph, the sermon illustrates how God can transform evil intentions into good. Joseph's brothers meant to harm him, but God used their actions to elevate him to a position of prominence in Egypt. God finds the loose thread in the enemy's plans and unravels them, weaving a new robe of royalty and righteousness. The hammer is about to get out of the devil's hand. God has a better plan and purpose, draping believers in a robe of righteousness and glory.
