Last week, the veil was torn, and the door opened. This week, we step into the room and see what’s at the center: the Ark of the Covenant, God’s throne on earth. The Ark carried evidence of humanity’s failure: the broken commandments, the manna, and the rod. But God didn’t remove them; He covered them. Mercy doesn’t dismiss truth; it transforms how truth is applied. Over the law lay the Mercy Seat, the golden lid where blood was applied, and glory appeared. The Mercy Seat was the literal meeting place of heaven and earth, where justice and grace joined.

 

Put It into Practice: At the start of each day, pray: “Lord, let mercy cover me.” At the end of each day, ask: “Where did I extend mercy?” Take note of times when you receive mercy and give thanks.

 

Day 1 Exodus 25:10–22  

Reflect: What does it mean that God’s voice comes from above the Ark’s cover, not from the law underneath it? What does the Ark’s design, particularly the cover or mercy seat, say about God? 

Apply: How does God’s promise to “meet with you” shape your understanding of why worship matters? Where do you need to allow God’s mercy to cover areas of failure, guilt, or shame?

Pray: Lord God, I confess my sins and offer my whole self. I seek Your voice, Your mercy, and Your grace. Thank You for making Christ my ultimate Mercy seat, the way to Your heart.

 

Day 2 Hebrews 4:14-16

Reflect: How does this passage reshape your understanding of God’s throne, not as a place of fear, but of mercy and help? What does it mean to you that Jesus sympathizes with your weaknesses? 

Apply: What need, sin, or struggle do you need to bring honestly to God’s throne today? What does “approach boldly” stir in your heart as you think about your relationship with God?

Pray: Heavenly Father, I approach Your throne of grace with confidence, not fear. I come to You now, Lord, with my specific needs, my trials, and my temptations. Please grant me mercy and reveal Your grace to me in this time of need. 

 

Day 3 Romans 3:23–26

Reflect: What does it mean that God presented Jesus as a “sacrifice of atonement”? How does this passage describe both the universal problem of sin and God’s gracious solution?  

Apply: What false beliefs (about yourself or God) need to be replaced with the truth of this passage? How can you extend mercy to someone in the same way God extended mercy to you?

Pray: Father God, thank you for justifying me freely by Your grace, through the redemption found in Christ Jesus. Help me to live in this reality and clothe me in the righteousness of Christ, so that when You look at me, You see Him.

 

 Day 4 1 John 4:7-10

Reflect: What does this passage teach you about the nature of God’s love and what it means to know God? How does seeing Jesus as the atoning sacrifice affect how you see yourself and others? Apply: Where do you need to receive God’s love more deeply — not just know it, but receive it? What fear or insecurity needs to be confronted with the truth of God’s initiating love?

Pray: Lord, fill me with Your Spirit so that Your perfect, active love can flow through me. Help me to love others with patience, kindness, and truth, and soften my heart to serve sacrificially. May my life be a clear reflection of the One who first loved me so deeply.

 

Day 5 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Reflect: What does it mean to you personally that you are now God’s temple? How do these verses elevate the seriousness and sacredness of your everyday life?  

Apply: What area of your life is God calling you to align more fully with His holiness? How can you be someone who models how heaven meets earth by your choices, habits, rhythms, & boundaries? 

Pray: Empower me, God, by Your Spirit, to live a life distinct from the world. May my thoughts, actions, and very being reflect Your glory, serving You and building up Your Church, so that through me, others may see You and give You praise.