Your Brokenness is Still Sacred to God | Pastor A.R. Bernard

How many have heard of the ark of the How many have heard of the ark of the covenant? covenant? covenant? The ark of the covenant. The ark of the covenant. The ark of the covenant. There have been many depictions of the There have been many depictions of the There have been many depictions of the ark, what it may have looked like. We ark, what it may have looked like. We ark, what it may have looked like. We don't have photos don't have photos don't have photos that go back that go back that go back several thousand years. several thousand years. several thousand years. Okay. But we have a description Okay. But we have a description Okay. But we have a description given to us in scripture given to us in scripture given to us in scripture based on instructions that were given to based on instructions that were given to based on instructions that were given to Moses. The Ark of the Covenant was very, Moses. The Ark of the Covenant was very, Moses. The Ark of the Covenant was very, very sacred. In fact, very sacred. In fact, very sacred. In fact, it went where Israel went. And there are it went where Israel went. And there are it went where Israel went. And there are several stories. There's one man trying several stories. There's one man trying several stories. There's one man trying to balance it when it was looked like it to balance it when it was looked like it to balance it when it was looked like it was going to topple as though God needed was going to topple as though God needed was going to topple as though God needed help. And of course that was tragic. But help. And of course that was tragic. But help. And of course that was tragic. But the ark of the covenant and I just want the ark of the covenant and I just want the ark of the covenant and I just want to to to understand very quickly with you that understand very quickly with you that understand very quickly with you that this was the most sacred. Did I say most this was the most sacred. Did I say most this was the most sacred. Did I say most sacred?

sacred? sacred? >> Yeah. Mo most sacred object in ancient >> Yeah. Mo most sacred object in ancient >> Yeah. Mo most sacred object in ancient Israel. Israel. Israel. It was made out of wood but covered in It was made out of wood but covered in It was made out of wood but covered in gold. It was a box, a wooden chest if we gold. It was a box, a wooden chest if we gold. It was a box, a wooden chest if we could say that was of course built could say that was of course built could say that was of course built according to God's um instructions to according to God's um instructions to according to God's um instructions to Moses in Exodus chapter 25. Moses in Exodus chapter 25. Moses in Exodus chapter 25. Its primary significance and you need to Its primary significance and you need to Its primary significance and you need to write this down as we go into the word. write this down as we go into the word. write this down as we go into the word. Its primary significance Its primary significance Its primary significance was that it symbolized two things. was that it symbolized two things. was that it symbolized two things. Number one, God's covenant Number one, God's covenant Number one, God's covenant with his people. That's number one. with his people. That's number one. with his people. That's number one. God's covenant. In other words, God God's covenant. In other words, God God's covenant. In other words, God entered an agreement entered an agreement entered an agreement with his people, with his people, with his people, Israel. It's a covenant agreement, Israel. It's a covenant agreement, Israel. It's a covenant agreement, one that he could fulfill his part no one that he could fulfill his part no one that he could fulfill his part no matter what. But there was always matter what. But there was always matter what. But there was always question about the people because they question about the people because they question about the people because they were weak. They were broken. And he were weak. They were broken. And he were weak. They were broken. And he understood that. He understood that he understood that. He understood that he understood that. He understood that he was making an agreement with people who was making an agreement with people who was making an agreement with people who did not have the equal power to keep did not have the equal power to keep did not have the equal power to keep their end of it.

their end of it. their end of it. That's that's not good business, is it? That's that's not good business, is it? That's that's not good business, is it? Well, maybe with God it is because you Well, maybe with God it is because you Well, maybe with God it is because you want to make sure if you're going to want to make sure if you're going to want to make sure if you're going to enter an agreement with someone that enter an agreement with someone that enter an agreement with someone that they have the capacity to fulfill their they have the capacity to fulfill their they have the capacity to fulfill their part of the agreement. Amen. part of the agreement. Amen. part of the agreement. Amen. >> But he was dealing with bro broken >> But he was dealing with bro broken >> But he was dealing with bro broken wounded human beings but he still wounded human beings but he still wounded human beings but he still entered a covenant agreement. And this entered a covenant agreement. And this entered a covenant agreement. And this arc of the covenant, so it was used to arc of the covenant, so it was used to arc of the covenant, so it was used to carry the covenant elements of the carry the covenant elements of the carry the covenant elements of the covenant um was sacred. covenant um was sacred. covenant um was sacred. Second reason Second reason Second reason or significance is that it represented or significance is that it represented or significance is that it represented the presence of God. So it represented the presence of God. So it represented the presence of God. So it represented God's agreement with Israel, but it also God's agreement with Israel, but it also God's agreement with Israel, but it also symbolized his presence among them. And symbolized his presence among them. And symbolized his presence among them. And that's why wherever they moved to, the that's why wherever they moved to, the that's why wherever they moved to, the ark went with them. In other words, the ark went with them. In other words, the ark went with them. In other words, the presence of God would continually be presence of God would continually be presence of God would continually be among them and move with them no matter among them and move with them no matter among them and move with them no matter where they go. Amen.

where they go. Amen. where they go. Amen. >> All right. So, I we we'll get through >> All right. So, I we we'll get through >> All right. So, I we we'll get through the heap. Um we're not going to uh the heap. Um we're not going to uh the heap. Um we're not going to uh manufacture and distribute those fans manufacture and distribute those fans manufacture and distribute those fans that you see in the funeral homes. No. that you see in the funeral homes. No. that you see in the funeral homes. No. So just bear with us and and we'll work So just bear with us and and we'll work So just bear with us and and we'll work work through this. Amen. See, that's how work through this. Amen. See, that's how work through this. Amen. See, that's how spoiled we are. spoiled we are. spoiled we are. >> See, back in the day, there was windows and fans. That's it. there was windows and fans. That's it. That's it. And we did what we did. Folks That's it. And we did what we did. Folks That's it. And we did what we did. Folks shouted the house down and sweated in shouted the house down and sweated in shouted the house down and sweated in the process. So I on the screen I think behind me So I on the screen I think behind me yeah you see a depiction of the ark of yeah you see a depiction of the ark of yeah you see a depiction of the ark of the covenant. the covenant. the covenant. Inside the ark were the stone tablets Inside the ark were the stone tablets Inside the ark were the stone tablets that that that was the law given by God to Moses.

was the law given by God to Moses. was the law given by God to Moses. So the law was sacred. It was the So the law was sacred. It was the So the law was sacred. It was the embodiment of God. Well, not the embodiment of God. Well, not the embodiment of God. Well, not the embodiment, but it was a physical embodiment, but it was a physical embodiment, but it was a physical representation of God's standard of representation of God's standard of representation of God's standard of holiness, justice, holiness, justice, holiness, justice, and it was placed in the ark. It and it was placed in the ark. It and it was placed in the ark. It represented God's law, the Ten represented God's law, the Ten represented God's law, the Ten Commandments. Commandments. Commandments. Also in the ark of the covenant was a Also in the ark of the covenant was a Also in the ark of the covenant was a golden jar of mana. How many remember golden jar of mana. How many remember golden jar of mana. How many remember the story of the mana in the wilderness the story of the mana in the wilderness the story of the mana in the wilderness when the children of Israel were hungry when the children of Israel were hungry when the children of Israel were hungry and God gave them mana to eat? So they and God gave them mana to eat? So they and God gave them mana to eat? So they preserved preserved preserved mana in a jar in the ark of the covenant mana in a jar in the ark of the covenant mana in a jar in the ark of the covenant and it represented or symbolized God's and it represented or symbolized God's and it represented or symbolized God's provision while they were in the provision while they were in the provision while they were in the wilderness. So God is about collecting wilderness. So God is about collecting wilderness. So God is about collecting the past the past the past and memorializing it in a way that it and memorializing it in a way that it and memorializing it in a way that it keeps us constantly in remembrance of keeps us constantly in remembrance of keeps us constantly in remembrance of our journey in this case Israel.

our journey in this case Israel. our journey in this case Israel. Also there was Aaron's rod. Also there was Aaron's rod. Also there was Aaron's rod. Now how many of you ever done a study on Now how many of you ever done a study on Now how many of you ever done a study on the ark of the covenant? So you're the ark of the covenant? So you're the ark of the covenant? So you're familiar with these elements that were familiar with these elements that were familiar with these elements that were in there. Aaron's rod that budded and in there. Aaron's rod that budded and in there. Aaron's rod that budded and this was a a miracle and of course it this was a a miracle and of course it this was a a miracle and of course it represented God's chosen priesthood. represented God's chosen priesthood. represented God's chosen priesthood. The lid on top of the ark was called the The lid on top of the ark was called the The lid on top of the ark was called the mercy seat. Say mercy seat. mercy seat. Say mercy seat. mercy seat. Say mercy seat. >> Mercy good. It was a mercy seat. It was >> Mercy good. It was a mercy seat. It was >> Mercy good. It was a mercy seat. It was made of pure gold made of pure gold made of pure gold and it was overshadowed by two figures and it was overshadowed by two figures and it was overshadowed by two figures called cherubim called cherubim called cherubim which were a high level of angelic which were a high level of angelic which were a high level of angelic beings. beings. beings. Got it. What were they called? Got it. What were they called? Got it. What were they called? >> Cherubim. Exactly right. >> Cherubim. Exactly right. >> Cherubim. Exactly right. And it was here that the high priest And it was here that the high priest And it was here that the high priest sprinkled blood on the day of atonement sprinkled blood on the day of atonement sprinkled blood on the day of atonement symbolizing the reconciliation between symbolizing the reconciliation between symbolizing the reconciliation between God and Israel his people. Now the ark God and Israel his people. Now the ark God and Israel his people. Now the ark of the covenant was kept in the third of the covenant was kept in the third of the covenant was kept in the third third section of the tabernacle. There third section of the tabernacle. There third section of the tabernacle. There was the outer court, inner court, and was the outer court, inner court, and was the outer court, inner court, and the innermost court, which was called the innermost court, which was called the innermost court, which was called the holy of holies. Again, not only the the holy of holies. Again, not only the the holy of holies. Again, not only the ark, but where it was placed in the ark, but where it was placed in the ark, but where it was placed in the tabernacle signified its sacredness, its tabernacle signified its sacredness, its tabernacle signified its sacredness, its holiness, God's separateness from the holiness, God's separateness from the holiness, God's separateness from the rest of humanity, his people.

rest of humanity, his people. rest of humanity, his people. As I said, the ark traveled As I said, the ark traveled As I said, the ark traveled with Israel through the wilderness with Israel through the wilderness with Israel through the wilderness across the Jordan River into Canaan. across the Jordan River into Canaan. across the Jordan River into Canaan. And eventually it ended up in the Holy And eventually it ended up in the Holy And eventually it ended up in the Holy of Holies of Solomon's temple. of Holies of Solomon's temple. of Holies of Solomon's temple. And it served as a visible constant And it served as a visible constant And it served as a visible constant reminder of God's holiness and his reminder of God's holiness and his reminder of God's holiness and his presence among the people. presence among the people. presence among the people. It also It also It also served as a reminder that God was king. served as a reminder that God was king. served as a reminder that God was king. Essentially, the ark of the covenant Essentially, the ark of the covenant Essentially, the ark of the covenant would have been a throne. If Israel had would have been a throne. If Israel had would have been a throne. If Israel had a king to sit on a throne at the time, a king to sit on a throne at the time, a king to sit on a throne at the time, that's where the king would sit. In that's where the king would sit. In that's where the king would sit. In other words, God was the king. other words, God was the king. other words, God was the king. >> So, it also symbolized his kingship. >> So, it also symbolized his kingship. >> So, it also symbolized his kingship. Got it? And this is why when Israel Got it? And this is why when Israel Got it? And this is why when Israel decides that they wanted a natural human decides that they wanted a natural human decides that they wanted a natural human king, it was in conflict with what was king, it was in conflict with what was king, it was in conflict with what was established established established by God. And that's why it was a very by God. And that's why it was a very by God. And that's why it was a very serious offense. And God told Samuel, he serious offense. And God told Samuel, he serious offense. And God told Samuel, he said, "Not they're not rejecting you, said, "Not they're not rejecting you, said, "Not they're not rejecting you, they're rejecting me."

they're rejecting me." they're rejecting me." Theologically, Theologically, Theologically, the ark represented God's presence, as I the ark represented God's presence, as I the ark represented God's presence, as I said, among his people. Number one. said, among his people. Number one. said, among his people. Number one. Number two, God's throne and kingship, Number two, God's throne and kingship, Number two, God's throne and kingship, God's covenant promises, God's covenant promises, God's covenant promises, but it was also the meeting place of the but it was also the meeting place of the but it was also the meeting place of the tablets of the law that were inside. And tablets of the law that were inside. And tablets of the law that were inside. And remember, the top of it was called the remember, the top of it was called the remember, the top of it was called the mercy seat. The law represented mercy seat. The law represented mercy seat. The law represented justice, God's justice. justice, God's justice. justice, God's justice. The mercy seat represented God's mercy. The mercy seat represented God's mercy. The mercy seat represented God's mercy. So, think about this. Both justice and So, think about this. Both justice and So, think about this. Both justice and mercy were together mercy were together mercy were together and they were sacred. They were holy and they were sacred. They were holy and they were sacred. They were holy before God. Well, after the destruction before God. Well, after the destruction before God. Well, after the destruction of the temple, of course, uh the of the temple, of course, uh the of the temple, of course, uh the Babylonians, 586 BC, uh the ark Babylonians, 586 BC, uh the ark Babylonians, 586 BC, uh the ark disappears from the biblical record. disappears from the biblical record. disappears from the biblical record. There's no record of what happened to There's no record of what happened to There's no record of what happened to it. Now, if you watch these TV shows, it. Now, if you watch these TV shows, it. Now, if you watch these TV shows, you know they they found it.

It's a mystery. Its ultimate fate is It's a mystery. Its ultimate fate is unknown. unknown. unknown. From a Christian perspective, From a Christian perspective, From a Christian perspective, many of us see the ark as foreshadowing many of us see the ark as foreshadowing many of us see the ark as foreshadowing Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. God's presence dwelling among humanity. God's presence dwelling among humanity. God's presence dwelling among humanity. The word God became what? The word God became what? The word God became what? >> Flesh and >> Flesh and >> Flesh and >> dwelt among us. So we see the ark as >> dwelt among us. So we see the ark as >> dwelt among us. So we see the ark as foreshadowing foreshadowing foreshadowing God incarnating himself in Jesus and God incarnating himself in Jesus and God incarnating himself in Jesus and then coming to the earth to experience then coming to the earth to experience then coming to the earth to experience humanity in a Jewish tradition and how this came in a Jewish tradition and how this came about. I do a show on Wednesday Sunday about. I do a show on Wednesday Sunday about. I do a show on Wednesday Sunday mornings called the Rev and the Rabbi. mornings called the Rev and the Rabbi. mornings called the Rev and the Rabbi. We've been doing this show for a good We've been doing this show for a good We've been doing this show for a good gosh nine years now. It is nationally gosh nine years now. It is nationally gosh nine years now. It is nationally syndicated syndicated syndicated and the most popular show on the and the most popular show on the and the most popular show on the weekends on Red Apple radio networks weekends on Red Apple radio networks weekends on Red Apple radio networks across the country. Rabbi Joseph across the country. Rabbi Joseph across the country. Rabbi Joseph Patasnik who is uh part of the New York Patasnik who is uh part of the New York Patasnik who is uh part of the New York Board of Rabbis actually executive Board of Rabbis actually executive Board of Rabbis actually executive leader within the New York Board of leader within the New York Board of leader within the New York Board of Rabbis and we have done this show Rabbis and we have done this show Rabbis and we have done this show together. we disagree together together. we disagree together together. we disagree together uh on many many things. So when he says uh on many many things. So when he says uh on many many things. So when he says to me, well when Messiah comes, I to me, well when Messiah comes, I to me, well when Messiah comes, I correct him and say when he comes again.

correct him and say when he comes again. correct him and say when he comes again. So we go at it, right? But we were So we go at it, right? But we were So we go at it, right? But we were talking on the program and the ark of talking on the program and the ark of talking on the program and the ark of the covenant came up and here's the the covenant came up and here's the the covenant came up and here's the question that was raised. So Moses comes question that was raised. So Moses comes question that was raised. So Moses comes down from God, right? Because the ark of down from God, right? Because the ark of down from God, right? Because the ark of the covenant, the the the tablets that the covenant, the the the tablets that the covenant, the the the tablets that were in there, all right, they were a were in there, all right, they were a were in there, all right, they were a second set second set second set of tablets of tablets of tablets that were carried into the temple. that were carried into the temple. that were carried into the temple. Um Solomon's temple, they were a second Um Solomon's temple, they were a second Um Solomon's temple, they were a second set of tablets. You got that? set of tablets. You got that? set of tablets. You got that? >> What happened to the first set? >> What happened to the first set? >> What happened to the first set? >> They were broken. And you know the >> They were broken. And you know the >> They were broken. And you know the story. So Moses come down off of the story. So Moses come down off of the story. So Moses come down off of the mountain after spending time with God. mountain after spending time with God. mountain after spending time with God. Go with the finger of God. The law is Go with the finger of God. The law is Go with the finger of God. The law is written. And Moses comes down. He sees written. And Moses comes down. He sees written. And Moses comes down. He sees the people acting human.

the people acting human. the people acting human. And what does he do? And what does he do? And what does he do? He throws the tablets down. They break. He throws the tablets down. They break. He throws the tablets down. They break. There is no scriptural specifically There is no scriptural specifically There is no scriptural specifically referencing referencing referencing what happened to the pieces what happened to the pieces what happened to the pieces of the broken tablets. of the broken tablets. of the broken tablets. And please understand, And please understand, And please understand, even broken, even broken, even broken, they were still sacred. >> I'm going try that one more time. >> I'm going try that one more time. Even Even Even broken, broken, broken, they were still they were still they were still sacred. sacred. sacred. >> Let me try that just one more time. >> Let me try that just one more time. >> Let me try that just one more time. >> Even though the law was broken, >> it was still >> it was still sacred. Amen.

>> So there is no >> So there is no scriptural reference specific text to scriptural reference specific text to scriptural reference specific text to this effect. However, this effect. However, this effect. However, rabbitic tradition rabbitic tradition rabbitic tradition and reflection and reflection and reflection historically preserve this story. historically preserve this story. historically preserve this story. And I can believe it for many reasons And I can believe it for many reasons And I can believe it for many reasons that we don't have the time to unpack that we don't have the time to unpack that we don't have the time to unpack because of how it foreshadows Jesus. because of how it foreshadows Jesus. because of how it foreshadows Jesus. But here's what they believe. And I But here's what they believe. And I But here's what they believe. And I believe it. It's true. I I believe I believe it. It's true. I I believe I believe it. It's true. I I believe I 100% I can embrace it because of how the 100% I can embrace it because of how the 100% I can embrace it because of how the Bible bears it out Bible bears it out Bible bears it out and because of the sacredness and because of the sacredness and because of the sacredness of the tablets. These were the first of the tablets. These were the first of the tablets. These were the first tablets, the law given by God, written tablets, the law given by God, written tablets, the law given by God, written by God. by God. by God. But Moses breaks them. But Moses breaks them. But Moses breaks them. Moses, fully aware of its source, Moses, fully aware of its source, Moses, fully aware of its source, is going to treat those broken tablets is going to treat those broken tablets is going to treat those broken tablets not like trash.

>> He's not going to throw it away. >> He's not going to throw it away. So the rabbitic tradition and So the rabbitic tradition and So the rabbitic tradition and reflections believe that Moses gathered reflections believe that Moses gathered reflections believe that Moses gathered the pieces of the broken the pieces of the broken the pieces of the broken law law law and put it in and put it in and put it in the ark of the covenant the ark of the covenant the ark of the covenant until further in Deuteronomy until further in Deuteronomy until further in Deuteronomy when God calls recalls Moses to give him when God calls recalls Moses to give him when God calls recalls Moses to give him a new set of tablets. And Moses stands before God. God gives And Moses stands before God. God gives him a new set of tablets. And then he him a new set of tablets. And then he him a new set of tablets. And then he tells Moses to take these new tablets tells Moses to take these new tablets tells Moses to take these new tablets and also and also and also put them in the ark of the covenant put them in the ark of the covenant put them in the ark of the covenant and keep them there. and keep them there. and keep them there. So the belief is So the belief is So the belief is two things. number one that the broken two things. number one that the broken two things. number one that the broken pieces were in the ark of the covenant pieces were in the ark of the covenant pieces were in the ark of the covenant right up to the time that the new set of right up to the time that the new set of right up to the time that the new set of tablets were given to Moses. And then tablets were given to Moses. And then tablets were given to Moses. And then they were in the ark of the covenant they were in the ark of the covenant they were in the ark of the covenant together, together, together, the whole tablets the whole tablets the whole tablets and the broken tablets.

Why Why would God want to keep would God want to keep would God want to keep both? both? both? I can understand the whole tablets I can understand the whole tablets I can understand the whole tablets because that's the whole law. It's because that's the whole law. It's because that's the whole law. It's sacred. It's complete. It represents sacred. It's complete. It represents sacred. It's complete. It represents fully the standard of God without human fully the standard of God without human fully the standard of God without human interference. But But the idea that the holy sacred place and the whole law. and the whole law. Wow. Wow. Wow. I'm going to call on the the experts. What's your immediate re reaction What's your immediate re reaction to that information?

now I have a microphone. So thank you. now I have a microphone. So thank you. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. To have both the broken To have both the broken To have both the broken and the the kept and the the kept and the the kept helps to keep us reminded helps to keep us reminded helps to keep us reminded that God is still in control. that God is still in control. that God is still in control. It's in our brokenness It's in our brokenness It's in our brokenness that we're reminded that we need God to that we're reminded that we need God to that we're reminded that we need God to keep us together. keep us together. keep us together. >> And this is not fair, pastor. You just gave this is not fair, pastor. You just gave us this revelation. with your head. I I us this revelation. with your head. I I us this revelation. with your head. I I get it. I understand. I created a get it. I understand. I created a get it. I understand. I created a crisis. That's what I do. >> I would quit right here. >> I would quit right here. >> Amen. >> Thou must not undo the goodest that thou >> Thou must not undo the goodest that thou doest, Elder Parker. Okay.

Elder Parker. Okay. Rarely am I at a loss for words, but let Rarely am I at a loss for words, but let Rarely am I at a loss for words, but let me So me So me So immediately as as you presented as immediately as as you presented as immediately as as you presented as everything from God being holy, having the broken pieces could signify having the broken pieces could signify erroneously erroneously erroneously that God made a mistake. that God made a mistake. that God made a mistake. The fact that the broken pieces were The fact that the broken pieces were The fact that the broken pieces were treated as sacred signifies that he treated as sacred signifies that he treated as sacred signifies that he wastes nothing and that everything that wastes nothing and that everything that wastes nothing and that everything that comes from God is still according to his comes from God is still according to his comes from God is still according to his plan and he remains sovereign. So even plan and he remains sovereign. So even plan and he remains sovereign. So even in response to humanity in response to humanity in response to humanity remembering that humans can't surprise remembering that humans can't surprise remembering that humans can't surprise God. God. God. >> So the fact that the pieces were still >> So the fact that the pieces were still >> So the fact that the pieces were still collected as sacred still signifies that collected as sacred still signifies that collected as sacred still signifies that he remains in control regardless. he remains in control regardless. he remains in control regardless. Yes. Yes. Yes. >> So, let's say something good as we leave >> So, let's say something good as we leave >> So, let's say something good as we leave this place. But Devil got I'm just this place. But Devil got I'm just this place. But Devil got I'm just kidding. kidding. kidding. Come on. Let's give our elders a round Come on. Let's give our elders a round Come on. Let's give our elders a round of applause and appreciation.

The broken tablets were preserved The broken tablets were preserved because they represent us. because they represent us. because they represent us. Which means even when we injured the Which means even when we injured the Which means even when we injured the holy, we were still sacred. we were still sacred. Even in our brokenness, Even in our brokenness, Even in our brokenness, because it also represents us. >> Even >> Even our brokenness. our brokenness. our brokenness. Even in our broken human condition, >> God still considers us >> God still considers us >> part of his sacred creation. This is important because when we This is important because when we wrestle through our wounds and our wrestle through our wounds and our wrestle through our wounds and our brokenness and our and our fractures and brokenness and our and our fractures and brokenness and our and our fractures and and and and and our past, our our and and and and our past, our our and and and and our past, our our history, right? And I'll get to that. We history, right? And I'll get to that. We history, right? And I'll get to that. We we are ashamed and and we want to erase we are ashamed and and we want to erase we are ashamed and and we want to erase it and put it away, but God says, "No.

it and put it away, but God says, "No. it and put it away, but God says, "No. Yes. >> You see, because our interpretation of >> You see, because our interpretation of our brokenness is shame. But God says, "No, But God says, "No, you still bear my image. you still bear my image. you still bear my image. Even though you're wounded Even though you're wounded Even though you're wounded >> and broken, you're still sacred, >> and broken, you're still sacred, >> and broken, you're still sacred, a sacred part of my creation. And I will a sacred part of my creation. And I will a sacred part of my creation. And I will put you in a space to protect you put you in a space to protect you put you in a space to protect you even in your brokenness. Now, think about this. And I'm going to Now, think about this. And I'm going to fast forward because oh gosh, that fast forward because oh gosh, that fast forward because oh gosh, that happens every Sunday. You know, remember the ark of the covenant remember the ark of the covenant foreshadowed Jesus.

foreshadowed Jesus. foreshadowed Jesus. He was the law, the embodiment of the He was the law, the embodiment of the He was the law, the embodiment of the law, the perfection and completion of law, the perfection and completion of law, the perfection and completion of the law, the fulfillment of the law. the law, the fulfillment of the law. the law, the fulfillment of the law. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Who became >> Who became >> Who became flesh flesh flesh and dwelt and dwelt and dwelt >> among us >> among us >> among us but was destined to be broken. >> And the only reason that brokenness was >> And the only reason that brokenness was necessary is because he came to identify necessary is because he came to identify necessary is because he came to identify not with our holiness or our greatness not with our holiness or our greatness not with our holiness or our greatness or our wonderfulness if there's such a or our wonderfulness if there's such a or our wonderfulness if there's such a word. He came to identify with our word. He came to identify with our word. He came to identify with our brokenness brokenness brokenness >> so that we could be redeemed. >> so that we could be redeemed. >> so that we could be redeemed. >> So here it is. Here it is. I'm going to >> So here it is. Here it is. I'm going to >> So here it is. Here it is. I'm going to fast forward. I'm going to fast forward. fast forward. I'm going to fast forward. fast forward. I'm going to fast forward. All right. So picture that ark of the All right. So picture that ark of the All right. So picture that ark of the covenant that had both the law covenant that had both the law covenant that had both the law which is is God's justice and the broken which is is God's justice and the broken which is is God's justice and the broken tablets in the context of the mercy tablets in the context of the mercy tablets in the context of the mercy seat. Mercy seat. Mercy seat. Mercy justice together.

justice together. justice together. The holy place is where mercy and The holy place is where mercy and The holy place is where mercy and justice meet, where our brokenness and justice meet, where our brokenness and justice meet, where our brokenness and God's wholeness meet. >> So Jesus >> So Jesus lived a life without sin. lived a life without sin. lived a life without sin. >> But then the Passover, >> But then the Passover, >> But then the Passover, he sits with his disciples. He takes the he sits with his disciples. He takes the he sits with his disciples. He takes the bread bread bread and he breaks it and he breaks it and he breaks it >> and he says, "This >> and he says, "This >> and he says, "This is my body, is my body, is my body, >> which is And when he did that, he became fully And when he did that, he became fully fully identified fully identified fully identified with our wounded, broken human species with our wounded, broken human species with our wounded, broken human species >> and he took it to the cross >> and he took it to the cross >> and he took it to the cross and sanctified it and came back new.

and sanctified it and came back new. and sanctified it and came back new. God is amazing. Israel comes to the Israel comes to the edge of the promised land. edge of the promised land. edge of the promised land. They had just gone through They had just gone through They had just gone through their journey of 40 years their journey of 40 years their journey of 40 years and and and Moses gathers the people Moses gathers the people Moses gathers the people and and and he says to them he says to them he says to them in Deuteronomy 8:2 and this is very important. All right? and this is very important. All right? Because in the wilderness they Because in the wilderness they Because in the wilderness they experienced experienced experienced hunger, hunger, hunger, famine, famine, famine, thirst, thirst, thirst, fear, fear, fear, anxiety to the point to the point that they started thinking and feeling that they started thinking and feeling that they started thinking and feeling that they were better off in Egypt.

that they were better off in Egypt. that they were better off in Egypt. In fact, they talked about going >> because of the stress >> because of the stress that they experienced. And that left an that they experienced. And that left an that they experienced. And that left an indelible mark on their minds. indelible mark on their minds. indelible mark on their minds. But now But now But now God's about to release them to go into God's about to release them to go into God's about to release them to go into the promised land. the promised land. the promised land. >> And they could not take that mindset >> And they could not take that mindset >> And they could not take that mindset with them. if they were going to flourish if they were going to flourish >> in the promised land. YOU CAN'T GO IN >> in the promised land. YOU CAN'T GO IN >> in the promised land. YOU CAN'T GO IN there >> So Moses, >> So Moses, he says to them, he says to them, he says to them, he says, "Remember." he says, "Remember." he says, "Remember." And the word remember in Hebrew is the And the word remember in Hebrew is the And the word remember in Hebrew is the word zakar. And it it means more than word zakar. And it it means more than word zakar. And it it means more than recalling facts and information. It recalling facts and information. It recalling facts and information. It means to reenter the past means to reenter the past means to reenter the past in a way that you interpret it in a way that you interpret it in a way that you interpret it differently.

>> I'm going to try that one more time. >> I'm going to try that one more time. It means re-enter the past >> That's why he preserved >> That's why he preserved the past because that's also what the the past because that's also what the the past because that's also what the broken tablets represented. broken tablets represented. broken tablets represented. >> ISRAEL'S FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH THE >> ISRAEL'S FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH THE >> ISRAEL'S FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH THE HOLINESS and law of God. And they HOLINESS and law of God. And they HOLINESS and law of God. And they couldn't handle it. But they didn't have couldn't handle it. But they didn't have couldn't handle it. But they didn't have the capacity TO HANDLE IT. BUT through the capacity TO HANDLE IT. BUT through the capacity TO HANDLE IT. BUT through the wilderness experience, he would the wilderness experience, he would the wilderness experience, he would develop them and form them and bring develop them and form them and bring develop them and form them and bring them to a place where they can have a them to a place where they can have a them to a place where they can have a different relationship with the law. different relationship with the law. different relationship with the law. >> But their first and foremost >> But their first and foremost >> But their first and foremost relationship is they didn't have the relationship is they didn't have the relationship is they didn't have the capacity to handle it. They broke it. >> But he preserved it. >> But he preserved it. >> And now they're about to go into the >> And now they're about to go into the >> And now they're about to go into the promised land. And Moses says, promised land. And Moses says, promised land. And Moses says, "Remember." "Remember." "Remember." But he doesn't say remember how you But he doesn't say remember how you But he doesn't say remember how you wandered. wandered. wandered. >> That's right.

>> That's right. >> That's right. >> He doesn't say remember how you were >> He doesn't say remember how you were >> He doesn't say remember how you were hungry. hungry. hungry. >> He doesn't say remember how you were >> He doesn't say remember how you were >> He doesn't say remember how you were thirsty. >> He doesn't say remember how you were >> He doesn't say remember how you were fearful and anxious and even sinned fearful and anxious and even sinned fearful and anxious and even sinned against me. He doesn't look. He says, "Remember how the Lord led He says, "Remember how the Lord led you." you." you." >> What's he doing? What's he doing? >> What's he doing? What's he doing? >> What's he doing? What's he doing? Remember how he provided the quailes, Remember how he provided the quailes, Remember how he provided the quailes, the the mana? Remember how he brought the the mana? Remember how he brought the the mana? Remember how he brought water from the rock for you. Remember water from the rock for you. Remember water from the rock for you. Remember the pillar of fire by night. Remember the pillar of fire by night. Remember the pillar of fire by night. Remember the cloud by day. Why? because broken, the cloud by day. Why? because broken, the cloud by day. Why? because broken, wounded individuals tend to remember the wounded individuals tend to remember the wounded individuals tend to remember the worst. >> And they couldn't take that mindset into >> And they couldn't take that mindset into the promised land and flourish. the promised land and flourish. the promised land and flourish. >> They couldn't go in there >> They couldn't go in there >> They couldn't go in there like that.

like that. like that. >> So Moses gathers them and says, >> So Moses gathers them and says, >> So Moses gathers them and says, "Remember "Remember "Remember how the Lord led you those 40 days." how the Lord led you those 40 days." how the Lord led you those 40 days." said, what was he doing? He was getting said, what was he doing? He was getting said, what was he doing? He was getting them to reinterpret their past. them to reinterpret their past. them to reinterpret their past. >> I'm going to try that one more time. He >> I'm going to try that one more time. He >> I'm going to try that one more time. He doesn't throw away your past. He doesn't doesn't throw away your past. He doesn't doesn't throw away your past. He doesn't throw away the broken tablets. He keeps throw away the broken tablets. He keeps throw away the broken tablets. He keeps them, preserves them, places them next them, preserves them, places them next them, preserves them, places them next to the hole to the hole to the hole >> so that you could see where you came >> so that you could see where you came >> so that you could see where you came from. So you could see what God brought from. So you could see what God brought from. So you could see what God brought you through. So you could see when he you through. So you could see when he you through. So you could see when he made a way where there was no way. So made a way where there was no way. So made a way where there was no way. So that you can keep in your memory bank that you can keep in your memory bank that you can keep in your memory bank what you want to erase, HE WANTS TO what you want to erase, HE WANTS TO what you want to erase, HE WANTS TO KEEP. >> Because if you're going to go into your >> Because if you're going to go into your promised land and begin to flourish, you promised land and begin to flourish, you promised land and begin to flourish, you can't go in there with that mindset.

can't go in there with that mindset. can't go in there with that mindset. You got to go in there saying, "The same You got to go in there saying, "The same You got to go in there saying, "The same God that was with me in the wilderness, God that was with me in the wilderness, God that was with me in the wilderness, >> the same God that was with me in crisis, >> the same God that was with me in crisis, >> the same God that was with me in crisis, >> in struggle, >> in struggle, >> in struggle, >> the same God. YES, I WAS HUNGRY, BUT GOD. YES, I WAS HUNGRY, BUT GOD. >> YES, I was thirsty, but God. >> YES, I was thirsty, but God. >> YES, I was thirsty, but God. >> Yes, I was anxious and fearful, but God. >> YES, I EVEN SAID I WANTED TO GO BACK AND >> YES, I EVEN SAID I WANTED TO GO BACK AND STAY IN MY PATH IN A PLACE OF SAVORY, STAY IN MY PATH IN A PLACE OF SAVORY, STAY IN MY PATH IN A PLACE OF SAVORY, BUT GOD BUT GOD BUT GOD wouldn't let me think like that. >> He doesn't discard our past. >> He doesn't discard our past. He teaches us how to reinterpret it, He teaches us how to reinterpret it, He teaches us how to reinterpret it, reframe it through the lens of his reframe it through the lens of his reframe it through the lens of his presence in our lives.

presence in our lives. presence in our lives. >> Because that's what the ark of the >> Because that's what the ark of the >> Because that's what the ark of the covenant was, covenant was, covenant was, >> his presence. >> his presence. >> his presence. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. And now And now And now there's a new ark right in here. >> Right in here. >> Right in here. >> I'm now the temple. And Jesus, the new ark, And Jesus, the new ark, the originally intended ark, the originally intended ark, the originally intended ark, >> dwells in me, >> dwells in me, >> dwells in me, >> walks with me, talks with me, >> walks with me, talks with me, >> walks with me, talks with me, >> reminds me that I am, come on, you know >> reminds me that I am, come on, you know >> reminds me that I am, come on, you know his song. You know the song. Reminds me his song. You know the song. Reminds me his song. You know the song. Reminds me that I am his own. Don't you dare be ashamed Don't you dare be ashamed >> of your journey. >> of your journey. >> of your journey. >> I said it to you a couple months ago. >> I said it to you a couple months ago. >> I said it to you a couple months ago. Your past is not your prison.

Your past is not your prison. Your past is not your prison. >> It's your context. >> It's your context. >> It's your context. >> It helps you and others understand what >> It helps you and others understand what >> It helps you and others understand what shaped you. shaped you. shaped you. >> What influenced your thinking, the >> What influenced your thinking, the >> What influenced your thinking, the wounds that you had to adapt to and re wounds that you had to adapt to and re wounds that you had to adapt to and re react to and respond to. react to and respond to. react to and respond to. He keeps both He keeps both He keeps both >> the broken >> the broken >> the broken >> and the whole >> and the whole >> and the whole >> because it as much as we sing the song I >> because it as much as we sing the song I >> because it as much as we sing the song I was just singing to you, we also sing he was just singing to you, we also sing he was just singing to you, we also sing he touched me. >> And all the joy >> And all the joy >> and floods my soul. >> and floods my soul. >> and floods my soul. something >> happened >> happened >> and now I know >> and now I know >> and now I know >> he touched me >> he touched me >> he touched me >> and BECAUSE OF HIS TOUCH HE MADE what >> and BECAUSE OF HIS TOUCH HE MADE what >> and BECAUSE OF HIS TOUCH HE MADE what was broken.

So now I live with both. So now I live with both. Condemned by not the past, but empowered Condemned by not the past, but empowered Condemned by not the past, but empowered by the wholeness that he's brought into by the wholeness that he's brought into by the wholeness that he's brought into my life. my life. my life. >> Come on, let's all stand. >> Come on, let's all stand. >> Come on, let's all stand. I thought I was out of time. I'm I thought I was out of time. I'm I thought I was out of time. I'm overtime. And I don't want Pastor Jamal calling me And I don't want Pastor Jamal calling me said, you know, you went five minutes said, you know, you went five minutes said, you know, you went five minutes over. >> And used by God. >> And used by God. >> It's part of who we are, part of our >> It's part of who we are, part of our >> It's part of who we are, part of our journey, part of identity. Don't try to journey, part of identity. Don't try to journey, part of identity. Don't try to outrun your past. Don't ask God to erase outrun your past. Don't ask God to erase outrun your past. Don't ask God to erase it. Don't say, "I don't want to talk it. Don't say, "I don't want to talk it. Don't say, "I don't want to talk about that. That was terrible. Oh, who I about that. That was terrible. Oh, who I about that. That was terrible. Oh, who I was, what I did." No, no. was, what I did." No, no. was, what I did." No, no. Look at how I kept you. Look at how I kept you. Look at how I kept you. >> Even while you were going through what >> Even while you were going through what >> Even while you were going through what you were going through. Even while you you were going through. Even while you you were going through. Even while you People keep thinking that God just People keep thinking that God just People keep thinking that God just showed up when we got saved.

showed up when we got saved. showed up when we got saved. >> No. No. No. How do you think you got >> No. No. No. How do you think you got >> No. No. No. How do you think you got there? there? there? It's because he was working on you all It's because he was working on you all It's because he was working on you all along. along. along. Because no one comes to Jesus Because no one comes to Jesus Because no one comes to Jesus unless the father unless the father unless the father draw him. draw him. draw him. >> He was drawing you all along. And you >> He was drawing you all along. And you >> He was drawing you all along. And you take an analysis of your past through take an analysis of your past through take an analysis of your past through that lens of God's hand. that lens of God's hand. that lens of God's hand. You'll see You'll see You'll see >> that he was with you all along >> that he was with you all along >> that he was with you all along >> bringing you to a saving relationship. >> bringing you to a saving relationship. >> bringing you to a saving relationship. Come on, let's bow our heads. Heavenly Come on, let's bow our heads. Heavenly Come on, let's bow our heads. Heavenly Father, thank you. seems so inadequate Father, thank you. seems so inadequate Father, thank you. seems so inadequate >> to express our gratitude. >> The voices of a million angels, >> The voices of a million angels, >> the voices of a million angels could not >> the voices of a million angels could not >> the voices of a million angels could not express it for us. >> But to God be the glory.

>> But to God be the glory. who I am, what I am, where I've come who I am, what I am, where I've come who I am, what I am, where I've come from, what I've been through, and how I from, what I've been through, and how I from, what I've been through, and how I persisted, the resilience that brought persisted, the resilience that brought persisted, the resilience that brought me here. me here. me here. To God be the glory To God be the glory To God be the glory for the things he has done. for the things he has done. for the things he has done. >> Lord, we thank you >> Lord, we thank you >> Lord, we thank you for your grace and mercy for your grace and mercy for your grace and mercy in the ark of the covenant. And we thank in the ark of the covenant. And we thank in the ark of the covenant. And we thank you for grace and truth. you for grace and truth. you for grace and truth. in the new ark. Jesus Christ. in the new ark. Jesus Christ. in the new ark. Jesus Christ. >> Thank you for loving us beyond our >> Thank you for loving us beyond our >> Thank you for loving us beyond our capacity to love ourselves. capacity to love ourselves. capacity to love ourselves. >> We won't run from the past. We'll >> We won't run from the past. We'll >> We won't run from the past. We'll reinterpret it through the lens of your reinterpret it through the lens of your reinterpret it through the lens of your grace, your presence, your provision, grace, your presence, your provision, grace, your presence, your provision, your guidance, your protection. And your guidance, your protection. And your guidance, your protection. And we'll say amen and amen. we'll say amen and amen. we'll say amen and amen. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. Come on, slap a high five >> Hallelujah. Come on, slap a high five >> Hallelujah. Come on, slap a high five with three people. Tell them I got that with three people. Tell them I got that with three people. Tell them I got that word.

>> I got that. >> I got that. >> I think we should close here. >> I think we should close here. >> I think we should close here. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. If you don't know Jesus Christ as your If you don't know Jesus Christ as your If you don't know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you better get there Lord and Savior, you better get there Lord and Savior, you better get there real quick real quick real quick >> cuz he loves you. >> cuz he loves you. >> cuz he loves you. >> And don't let your past keep you from >> And don't let your past keep you from >> And don't let your past keep you from the amazing future that he has for you. the amazing future that he has for you. the amazing future that he has for you. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Come on, let's say something good as we >> Come on, let's say something good as we >> Come on, let's say something good as we leave this place with never God's leave this place with never God's leave this place with never God's presence. Jesus is Lord. Period. We presence. Jesus is Lord. Period. We presence. Jesus is Lord. Period. We believe it. We proclaim it. And we're believe it. We proclaim it. And we're believe it. We proclaim it. And we're seeing it come to pass. God bless you. I seeing it come to pass. God bless you. I seeing it come to pass. God bless you. I love you. Have a wonderful week in the love you. Have a wonderful week in the love you. Have a wonderful week in the Lord. Lord. Lord. >> Family, thank you so much for watching >> Family, thank you so much for watching >> Family, thank you so much for watching CCC's YouTube channel. If you feel what CCC's YouTube channel. If you feel what CCC's YouTube channel. If you feel what you just experienced impacted your life you just experienced impacted your life you just experienced impacted your life in any way, we encourage you to like, in any way, we encourage you to like, in any way, we encourage you to like, subscribe, and share this video with subscribe, and share this video with subscribe, and share this video with others so we can fulfill our mission in others so we can fulfill our mission in others so we can fulfill our mission in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. the world. the world. >> We welcome you to check out some of our >> We welcome you to check out some of our >> We welcome you to check out some of our other videos. Also, make sure to click other videos. Also, make sure to click other videos. Also, make sure to click the notification bell so you are the the notification bell so you are the the notification bell so you are the first to know when we post a new one.

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