Scripture: Numbers 4:5-6
When the camp is to set out, Aaron and his sons shall go in and take down the screening curtain, and cover the ark of the covenant with it; then they shall put on it a covering of fine leather, and spread over that a cloth all of blue, and shall put its poles in place.
Thought for the Day: Over the last few days I have spent time in the book of Numbers. To be honest, I have not said that a lot in my life. But here in the 4th chapter, a census of those between the ages of 30-50 is being taken for the purpose of organizing a moving crew. This time in the wilderness (40 years of preparation before crossing into the Promised Land) required the Israelites to pack-up the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary, and move it to the next spot along the journey. I was fascinated by the requirements around the Ark of the Covenant, the fancy box made famous by the movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark. Since the Levites are not designated to handle certain holy items, including the Ark, specific preparations are required before the Levites can assist in moving these items. The Ark itself must be covered with three separate layers—the screen curtain, fine leather and a blue cloth.
Let’s be honest here, can two pieces of woven material and a big chunk of leather contain holiness? This is where symbolism is so important, for though these materials are really not very thick, there is something in the act that teaches respect. Might I suggest that we do not take the influence of symbol seriously enough in our lives today. It is one thing to be told that the items in the Tabernacle are holy and worthy of respect. It is another thing to see these items carefully covered with precious material by a select few who have been designated to do so. The symbolic act reinforces certain values central to the community, values that are important for the sake of the community’s future identity. How might the church help in the reclaiming certain values through educational symbols?
Prayer: It is often hard for me to learn and embrace certain values, so I seek your assistance, Lord God. Provide me whatever is going to help me to make forgiveness, love, humility and compassion central values in my life. Amen.
SUNDAY’S SERMON
“An Unqualified Everyone”
Romans 11:1-2a, 11-12
