Exodus 37:1,9 – Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood — two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. The cherubim had their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim faced each other, looking toward the cover. (NIV)

Like most people, I never really gave much thought to the ark of the covenant until I saw the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark, which starred Harrison Ford in the lead role of Indiana Jones. The excitement of that film captivated me completely, and so, each time I come across the descriptions of how the ark was made, I can't help but think about the fables concerning this holy artifact, which are non-biblical and mere fiction fantasy. But the biblical history of the ark — how it was made, where it was carried, and how it disappeared — still intrigues me to this day.

The artist in me also resonates with the beautiful imagery and craftsmanship that Bezalel used to create and construct the ark. His skills must have been amazing, and the Hebrew people would surely have been proud of what he made. Out of all the lost artifacts of ancient civilizations, Bezalel's ark is the one that I would most like to see. I hope that when we get to heaven, there will be some sort of Hall of Fame Museum where all of those ancient items like the ark of the covenant, Aaron's rod that budded, and the original stone tablets with the Ten Commandments can be seen forever.

Although it is true that the Bible also raises many other issues which remain mysteries for which no one has definitive answers, fortunately the Bible does give us enough that we do know for sure so that we can become connected to God and His continuing work of salvation. As for what we don't know, God has all the answers, which means that we can continually learn new things about His words, ways, and works. This is what attracts me to the Scriptures and my faith; this is what unites me to Christ's Spirit.

Points to ponder: What mysteries in the Bible still intrigue me? What have I newly learned about God recently?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we don't know everything, but we believe that You do. Draw us closer to You through the stories in the Bible and with Your sacred teaching. Bless us this day with Your holy presence. In Your sacred name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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