Eyes on the Mercy Seat

Several years ago, there was an evangelist who visited our church and left me with a powerful nugget of truth. (Actually, I’m calling it a weapon of truth!) I can’t remember his name or the entirety of the sermon that day, only that is was centered on the Ark of the Covenant; I believe he even called a few men up on the platform to help illustrate his message, but those details have also faded. It was the placement of the cherubims on the Ark and where their eyes were focused that took root in my heart and mind. Exodus 25:20, “And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.”

The words “eyes on the mercy seat” have stayed with me ever since. No exaggeration, I must have reminded myself “eyes on the mercy seat” at least 25 times the other day – it seemed like every corner I turned the spirit of offense was waiting and ready to pounce on me. I would get offended, speak those words, pray and then get offended all over again by someone else; but, even though it wasn’t my finest hour, the words (and the meaning behind them) were bringing victory over the enemy. I wasn’t wallowing in anger or hurt feelings like in past times; in fact, it was the complete opposite. I was encouraged in the Lord and desired to pray for others in those moments. Satan had lost power over my day…

While this is a victory strategy (if you will) that I use often in difficult situations, this time seemed different – not only was there no “storm,” but its effectiveness also seemed greater. It was as though all of Satan’s daggers were being darted off by an invisible shield. Ahhh, there it was. Faith had become my shield (Ephesians 6:16) and I didn’t even notice it. When Jesus – the mercy seat (Romans 3:25) – is our focus, our faith inadvertently becomes stronger, all while the tactics of the adversary become weak and fruitless in our lives.

There is power when our eyes are fixated on Jesus. We no longer see (or care about) the foolish things that once caused us to stumble. They don’t matter. There is clarity and understanding about what (or whose eternal life) is at stake.

This is more important now than ever before. Our world is changing at a very rapid pace; people are frightened about war, disease, and economic hardship. Just today alone, I overheard two people (who do not know Jesus) say they felt like the end of the world is coming. This time of chaos presents a magnitude of opportunity for the Church to spread the good news of Jesus. It’s vital that our eyes remain on the mercy seat. We can’t shift our focus to the world around us; you will never find reason in evil and dwelling on it will only leave you angry and hateful. Speaking truth and sharing the gospel is more rewarding to the Kingdom of God than any other conversation that could be had in these latter days. Fix your eyes on Jesus, and allow His mercy and love to flow through you to those around you.

Thank you, Jesus, for Your truth and mercy. Help us to be steadfast and focused on You in this world of chaos. Strengthen our faith and give us a boldness like never before. In Your mighty name, I pray. Amen.