Bible Pathways - Jan. 29, 2009
January 29
Highlights In Today's Reading:
The Tabernacle and all its furnishings were completed according to detailed specifications given by God — exactly as God instructed.
The Altar of Incense was made . . . of shittim (acacia) wood. . . . and. . . . a crown (moulding) of gold round about. . . . And he (Bezaleel) made the holy anointing oil, and the pure incense (35:15; 37:25-26,29).
Moses was also directed to put it before the vail that is by the Ark of the Testimony (Covenant), before the Mercy Seat that is over the Testimony, where I will meet with thee. . . . Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning. . . . a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations (30:6-8).
The priests were permitted in the Holy Place, but only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement. In front of the veil was the golden Altar of Incense which was much smaller than the Brasen Altar.
Each morning, Aaron the high priest would fill the lamps with pure olive oil and burn incense upon the altar. He would take a coal of fire from the Brasen Altar and place it on the Altar of Incense and then place the incense 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 (Lev. 9:24).
The Altar of Incense was also symbolic of Christ our High Priest, who is constantly interceding for us not only when we pray but also by His constant watchcare (John 17:1-26; Heb. 7:25).
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 that died (in our place and for our sins), yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us (Rom. 8:34). In Hebrews, we read: He is able also to save them . . . that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever (forever) liveth to make intercession for them (Heb. 7:25).
Thought for Today:
An unsaved man may enter a church building, hear sermons, sing hymns and read a Bible, but only believers who have received Christ as Savior and Lord of their lives can experience a true relationship with God.
Christ Revealed:
Through the Candlestick (Ex. 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 =craftsman with a heart for the Lord; 35:32 curious =skillful.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Ilene Wallace • Government Officials: Rep. Paul Ryan (WI) and Rep. Lee Terry (NE) • Country: Zimbabwe (11.2 million) in south-central Africa • Major languages: English and Shona • Limited religious freedom • 59% Christian; 35% Traditional; 2% Muslim; 4% Other/non-Religious (Hindu, Buddhist, Baha'i, Jewish) • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for godly discernment to know His will (Eze. 44:23).
Optional Reading: Mark 1
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:3-4
