James 2:13 (ESV) states: “Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
God gave the law through Moses. While the law was perfect in itself, its application to the human race which is “born in sin and shapen in iniquity” pronounced doom, guilt, and judgment.
Inside the tabernacle was the Holy of Holies where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. Inside the ark was the law engraved on stones. On top of the ark was the lid (known as the Mercy Seat) which was sprinkled with blood. Over the top of the Mercy Seat were the two cherubim, gazing down in awe and amazement on the blood-sprinkled ark.
I am sure their amazement and awe was that the condemnation of the law was overcome by the blood-sprinkled Mercy Seat. I am sure the Holy Spirit of God would have us, who are the guilty ones, to also be amazed and awed by the incredible mercy of God given to us through our Lord Jesus Christ who is also our Mercy Seat.
If the angelic cherubim, whose wings covered the ark and whose eyes were filled with awesome wonder at such amazing mercy (symbolizing creatures who knew no sin), how much more should we be filled with grateful amazement!
Let’s read the fourth stanza of Samuel Davies’ hymn, “Great God of Wonders”:
In wonder lost, with trembling joy,
We take the pardon of our God:
Pardon for crimes of deepest dye,
A pardon bought with Jesus’ blood.
Who is a pardoning God like Thee?
Or who has grace so rich and free?
Be encouraged again.
Colin Campbell