Bible Pathways 1/29/2004
January 29
Read Exodus 35 -- 37
In Today's Reading:
Freewill offerings for the Tabernacle; construction of the Tabernacle; the Ark of the Testimony; Mercy Seat; Table of Showbread; Candlestick; Altar of Incense
The Altar of Incense was made . . . of shittim (acacia) 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 directed to put it before the veil that is by the Ark of the Testimony, before the Mercy Seat that is over the Testimony, 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 Most Holy Place, and then only once a year on the Day of Atonement. In front of the veil was a Gold Altar. This Altar was much smaller than the Brazen Altar, but was far more costly since it was covered with pure gold. Sacrificial animals were presented to God on the Brazen Altar to atone for sin. It was near the entrance to the courtyard.
The Altar of Incense was symbolic of Christ as our Intercessor and was located near the Most Holy Place (John 17:1-26; Hebrews 7:25). Each morning, Aaron the high priest would refill the lamps of the Candlestick 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 on it as a sweet fragrance that ascended toward heaven day and night. God alone was the source of fire on this Altar.
Only Jesus Christ can make it possible for us to approach the Holy Heavenly Father in prayer. It is Christ that died, 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 (Philippians 4:6-7).
Word Studies:
35:10 wise hearted = skillful, expert craftsman; 35:11 his = its; 35:14 furniture = utensils, vessels; 35:32 curious = artistic, skillful.
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).
Pray For:
Government Officials: Rep. Paul Ryan (WI) and Rep. Lee Terry (NE) · Country: Mauritania (3 million) in western Africa · Major language: Hasaniya Arabic · Islamic state with no mission work allowed · 99+% Muslim; .5% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Rely upon the Lord at all times; He is your refuge (Psalm 62:8).
Optional Reading: Mark 1
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:6
