and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All, which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. (Hebrews 9:3–4)

Today’s big question: how does Jesus fulfill our need to meet with God?

If you have ever traveled overseas, you may have experienced the street traders offering you the latest in designer sunglasses or watches. I have been offered Rolex watches for $20 and many other items at bargain prices. The only problem is they are only replicas. There really is nothing like the real thing, and copies always fall short of the true substance.

When the Jewish priests went beyond the second curtain, they were not dealing with fake things like my Rolex experience. The Ark of the Covenant was authentic and directly instituted by God. The items in the tent of the tabernacle were originals given to the Jews by the Creator to remind them of the reality that He would also be their Savior.

The Ark of the Covenant held amazing items that pointed to the One who fulfilled all that they symbolized.

• The rod that budded: Man would not provide the high priest—God would. Aaron’s rod budded showing Israel who would represent them in bringing sacrifice to God behind the second curtain. Every time this happened, it represented Jesus, who took our sin into the Holy of Holies as He died and rose for us. Jesus is the great High Priest who will never have to repeat this work again.

• The bowl of manna: It was God who was the great provider for His people. He provided all that was required for life in the wilderness. In His amazing substitutionary work on the Cross, Jesus has fulfilled every provision and given us all we need.

• The law tablets: The law was the reminder of the need for the people to separate themselves to God. We continually fall short of His holiness as we attempt to keep His law in our sinful condition, but Jesus kept the law perfectly.. Jesus is perfectly holy and fulfilled the requirements of the law on our behalf.

We are not condemned when our lives are in Him who fulfilled the law and became the sacrifice for our sin. Gazing upon Christ gives us instruction for holy living, and He has given us the Holy Spirit to help us live for Him.  http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2011/03/18/fulfill-our-need