The phrase ‘to cover’ seen often through scripture intrigues me. I researched it recently in preparation for sharing the story of N being lost in a central Asian mall with a women’s group. If you haven’t already, click here to read ‘Beautiful Paint’. (I just figured out how to make ‘here’ a link. I’m pretty proud of myself 
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We see this phrase “to cover” surface quickly when Adam covers himself with a fig leaf to hide his sin.
God covers the earth with water saving only Noah and his family to again, cover sin.
Exodus 26 speaks of the ‘atonement cover’ also known as the mercy seat. To ‘atone for’ means ‘to cover over.’ This was the lid of the tabernacle, placed in the holy of holies. Each year, on the day of atonement, the priest was instructed by God to sprinkle blood from a bull directly on the atonement cover to atone for his family’s sins and the blood from a goat to corporately atone for the sins of Israel. God’s promise to the Israelites was that when he saw this blood on atonement day, he would cover over their sins from the previous year with forgiveness. This was God’s throne, the place where they could meet him, the holy of holies.
Now, this is where I am once again amazed at God’s creativity in continually weaving prophecy and symbolism into the story He has given us through his holy word. There were three things inside the ark: Manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the 10 commandments. All three items reminded the Israelites of their shortcomings before God. Manna reminded them of their grumbling and rejection of God’s provision, Aaron’s staff was a dead stick that budded almond leaves when the Israelites rejected God’s authority and asked for a leader. The leaders of each of the 12 tribes set out a dead stick representing their tribe and in the morning, it was Aaron’s stick that had come to life, signifying him as the leader, since they didn’t want to just trust God. The 10 commandments were a reminder that they had continually rejected God’s right standard for living.
Then came the cross, the ultimate blood covering. “You forgave the iniquity of the people and covered all their sins.” (Psalm 85:2). “Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” (Romans 4:7).
Good bye atonement day! Your job is done, holy of holies! Jesus is our permanent atonement cover! We have the freedom to approach the throne of grace! “Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16).
Back to God’s creativity. Even the articles in the ark pointed to Jesus.
Manna? “I am the bread of life” John 6:23, 48, & 50
Aaron’s rod? Jesus didn’t reject authority as the Israelites did. Instead he “did the will of Him who sent me.” HE came back to life just as Aaron’s rod did. WE are “first fruits from the dead.” (1 Corinthians 15:20).
The 10 Commandments? Jesus is the only One who never sinned. His death instituted a new covenant no longer based on law! “But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known…” (Romans 3:20).
And the best part of being covered is getting to see God. When Moses caught a glimpse of God in His splendor and glory, he was first covered by God’s own hand. Thank you, Lord, that I’m covered by the grace of Christ. Now, show me your glory!
