Make an atonement cover of pure gold—two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. – Exodus 25:17

Today's Scripture Reading (October 12, 2021): Exodus 25

In the "Fellowship of the Ring," Frodo often speaks what the audience is likely thinking. And as the Hobbit stands with the wizard Gandalf, the pair consider the monstrous Gollum. Because of all the evil that Gollum seemed responsible for, Frodo adds that Gollum "deserves death." and in the conversation, Frodo expresses his wish that his uncle, Bilbo, had killed "that vile creature, when he had a chance."

But it is Gandalf's reply that we need to hear, especially as we have our discussions around the idea of Capital Punishment in our societies. Gandalf's response to Frodo is clear.

"Deserves it! I daresay he does. Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. For even the very wise cannot see all ends. I have not much hope that Gollum can be cured before he dies, but there is a chance of it."

Gandalf agrees with Frodo's comment. But he also voices the frustration that most of us have with life. Yes, some deserve to die and yet live. And then there is the good who suffer and die who deserve, at least in our eyes, to live. And what about the countless innocent children who are made to suffer and sometimes die in our culture. Don't they deserve to know the fullness of life?

The Apostle Paul puts a different spin on our existence. Quoting Psalm and Ecclesiastes, Paul writes:

"There is no one righteous, not even one;
     there is no one who understands;
    there is no one who seeks God.
 All have turned away,
    they have together become worthless;
there is no one who does good,
    not even one" (Romans 3:10-12).

It all set up Paul's conclusion about our human race "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). We all deserve death.

God has the people of Israel build an Ark, basically a box made of wood. And on top of that box, he had them make what he called an "atonement cover." Older translations called it the "mercy seat." It was the throne of God but not one of judgment. From this seat would be extended mercy to the human race.

The High Priest would come into this place of atonement once a year, and he would first sprinkle the blood of an animal on the atonement cover or mercy seat for his sins and the sins of his family, and then he would sprinkle blood once more for the sins of the people. And it was at this seat of mercy that those who deserved death instead found life; instead of finding judgment, they found mercy. Because even though we deserve death, there is a chance we can find life if only someone will extend to us forgiveness and mercy, reaching us where we are.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Exodus 26

Personal Note: Happy Birthday, Mom.