Read Exodus 29 -- 31
In Today's Reading:
Spiritual discernment will be gained in today's reading as we learn the meaning of the ceremonial rules and sacrifices set up for consecrating the priests, the various burnt offerings, and anointing. Praise God -- He is concerned with each detail of our lives. The high priest foreshadows the ministry of Christ, our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16; 9:11-12,24-28). And again we see the blood!
Verse for Today:
This shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the Tabernacle of the congregation before the Lord: where I will meet you, to speak there to you (Exodus 29:42).
Highlights:
Rules and sacrifices for consecrating the priests; continual burnt offering; Altar of Incense; Laver of Brass; holy anointing oil; Sabbath regulations; Moses receives two tablets of stone.
The purpose of the burnt offering is found in the words: I will meet you, to speak to you there. The Lord desires to speak with His people, but sin separated them from His presence.
The Israelite worshiper brought an acceptable sacrifice to the Brazen Altar to offer a burnt offering. The priest killed the animal and prepared the sacrifice on his behalf. The continual burnt offering provided a way for the Israelites to always be reconciled to their Holy God. But now once in the end of the world has He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself (Hebrews 9:26).
When we acknowledge our sinful, lost condition and, in repentance, turn to Christ, He becomes the only acceptable Offering for our sins. In sincere love to our Lord, our hearts will be filled with deep gratitude and the Bible becomes His way to guide our lives. It is the indwelling Holy Spirit Who enables a Christian to worship God acceptably: The true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth (according to His Word). . . . God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24).
A Thought from Proverbs: Behold, there met him a woman with the attire of a harlot. . . . He goes after her as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks. . . . Her house is the way to hell (7:10,22,27).
Christ Revealed:
Through the Laver, as both the Container and the Dispenser of Living Water (Exodus 30:18; John 4:10; compare 1 Corinthians 10:4; Hebrews 10:22).
Word Studies:
29:6 mitre = headdress, turban; 29:17 inwards = entrails; unto = upon; 29:18 savor = the fragrance will find acceptance; 29:22 caul = appendage on the liver; 29:24 wave them = present them with a waving motion; 29:39 even = twilight; 30:25 apothecary = perfumer; 30:28 his foot = its base; 30:34 like weight = equal amount; 31:6 wise hearted = gifted craftsmen.
Prayer Needs:
Government Official: Rep. John Mica (FL) · Pray for your Church · Country: Qatar (724,000) in southwestern Asia · Major languages: Arabic and English · Muslim conversion to Christ is forbidden, but expatriate Christians are allowed to meet informally · 92% Muslim; 4% Protestant; 2% Roman Catholic; 1% Hindu; .5% Eastern Orthodox · Prayer Suggestion: Thank the Lord for hearing your prayers (Psalms 28:6-7).
Optional Reading: Matthew 27
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:6