Read Exodus 29 -- 31
In Today's Reading:
The rules and sacrifices for the priests; continual burnt offering; Altar of Incense; the ransom of souls; the holy anointing oil; Sabbath regulations; Moses receives two tablets of stone
The priests who ministered in the Tabernacle had to be cleansed before entering. The LORD spoke to Moses . . . make a Laver (tub) of Brass, and its foot also of brass . . . put it between the Tabernacle . . . and the Altar, and . . . put water therein. For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat (Exodus 30:17-19). After a priest had washed his hands and feet at the Laver, which provided cleansing from the activities of life, he then was qualified to enter the Tabernacle through a heavy linen veil which was the only entrance into the Holy Place.
On the right was the Table of Showbread with its 12 loaves of unleavened bread sprinkled with incense. The name Showbread suggests more than just bodily nourishment. It implies spiritual insight that is not obtainable anywhere else. The Showbread is symbolic of Christ, Who said: I am that Bread of Life. . . . the Living Bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this Bread, he shall live for ever (John 6:48,51; 6:29-38; 12:24). Just as physical food is assimilated to sustain our physical lives, so too, as we continue to read and obey the Word of God which is the Bread of Life, the Holy Spirit enlightens and then sustains us spiritually by transforming our lives.Wherefore laying aside all malice and all guile (deceit), and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere (unadulterated, pure) milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby (I Peter 2:1-2).
On the left was the seven-branched Candlestick made of solid, beaten gold Its seven lamps burned with pure olive oil. It provided the only source of light in the Holy Place (Leviticus 24:2-4).
God has provided just one book, the Holy Bible, as the source of light for understanding His will (Psalm 119:105,130; Proverbs 6:23).
Jesus said: I am the Light of the World: he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the Light of Life (John 8:12).
Word Studies:
29:22 caul = appendage on the liver; 29:24 wave them = present with a waving motion; 29:39 even = twilight; 30:25 apothecary = perfumer.
Christ Revealed:
Through the Laver, Christ is revealed as both the container and the dispenser of living water (Exodus 30:18; John 4:10). Jesus said: You are clean through the Word which I have spoken to you (John 15:3). Jesus . . . cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come to Me, and drink. . . . you are clean through the Word which I have spoken to you (7:37; compare I Corinthians 10:4).
Pray For:
Government Officials: Rep. John Mica (FL) and Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (CO) · Country: Mali (10 million) in West Africa · Major languages: French and Bambara · Religious freedom despite Muslim majority · 81% Muslim; 17% animism and spirit worship; 2% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: When you are afraid, have confidence in and rely upon the Lord (Psalm 56:3-4).
Optional Reading: Matthew 27
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:6