Bible Pathways 01/29/05
January 29
Read Exodus 35 - 37
In Today's Reading:
Freewill offerings for the Tabernacle; construction of the Tabernacle; the Ark of the Covenant (Testimony); Mercy Seat; Table of Showbread; Candlestick; Altar of Incense
The Altar of Incense was made . . . of shittim wood. . . . and. . . . a crown (moulding) of gold round about. . . . And he made the holy anointing oil, and the pure incense (Exodus 35:15; 37:25-26,29). Moses was also directed to put it before the veil that is by the Ark of the Covenant (Testimony), before the Mercy Seat that is over the Covenant, where I will meet with you. . . . Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning. . . . a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations (Exodus 30:6-8).
The priests were permitted in the Holy Place, but only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies, once a year on the Day of Atonement. In front of the veil was a Gold Altar that was much smaller than the Brazen Altar. But the Brazen Altar sacrifices dealt with the judgment of sin. It was near the entrance to the courtyard.
The Altar of Incense was symbolic of Christ as our Intercessor (John 17:1-26; Hebrews 7:25). Each morning, Aaron the high priest would refill the lamps with pure olive oil and burn incense upon the altar. He would take a coal of fire from the Brazen Altar and place it on the Altar of Incense and then place the incense, symbolic of our prayers, on it for a sweet fragrance that ascended toward heaven day and night. God alone was the source of fire on both of the altars.
Only Jesus Christ can make it possible for us to approach the Heavenly Father in prayer. My little children . . . if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (I John 2:1). It is (the sinless) Christ who died (for our sins), yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us (Romans 8:34). In Hebrews, we read: He is able also to save them . . . that come to God by Him, seeing He ever (forever) lives to make intercession for them (Hebrews 7:25). Christ our High Priest is interceding for us each time we pray. We are encouraged: In every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God . . . shall keep your hearts (Philippians 4:6-7).
Christ Revealed:
Through the Candlestick (Exodus 35:14). Christ is the Light of the World (John 1:6-9; 8:12; 9:5; compare Luke 1:78-79).
Word Studies:
35:10 wise hearted = skillful, expert craftsman; 35:11 his = its; 35:14 furniture = utensils, vessels; 35:32 curious = artistic, skillful.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Paul Ryan (WI) and Rep. Lee Terry (NE) · Country: Kazakhstan (17 million) central Asia · Major languages: Kazakh and Russian · Religious tolerance · 40% Muslim; 25% Russian Orthodox/Armenian Apostolic; 1% Protestant; .6% Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Begin every day with prayer (Psalm 88:13).
Optional Reading: Mark 1
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 5:24
