Read Exodus 29 -- 31
In Today's Reading:
The rules and sacrifices for the priests; continual burnt offering; gold 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. So, the LORD spoke to Moses: Make a bronze basin for washing and a bronze stand for it. Set it between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it. Aaron and his sons must wash their hands and feet with water from it (Exodus 30:17-19). After a priest had washed his hands and feet at the basin, 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 the Presence with its 12 loaves of unleavened bread sprinkled with incense. The name bread of the Presence suggests more than just bodily nourishment. It implies spiritual insight that is not obtainable anywhere else. The bread is symbolic of Christ, who said: I am the bread of life. . . . the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread (makes it a vital part of his life) he will live forever (John 6:48,51; 6:29-38; 12:24). Just as physical food is assimilated to sustain our physical lives, in like manner, as we continue to read the word of God, which is the bread of life, the Holy Spirit enlightens and then transforms our lives. So rid yourselves of all wickedness, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander. Like newborn infants, desire the unadulterated spiritual milk, so that you may grow (I Peter 2:1-2).
On the left, across from the table of the Presence, was the seven-branched lampstand made of solid, beaten gold. Its seven lampsburned 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 (Psalms 119:105,130; Proverbs 6:23).
Christ said: I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12).
Christ Revealed:
Through the bronze basin, Christ is revealed as both the container and the dispenser of living water (Exodus 30:18; John 4:10; compare I Cor. 10:4; Heb. 10:22).
Prayer Needs:
Government Official: Rep. John Mica (FL) · Country: Mongolia (3 million) in east-central Asia · Major language: Khalkha Mongol · As a 70-year era of communism wanes, Bibles are now on sale in the capital, Ulaanbaatar · 29% Shamanist; 2% Buddhist; 2% Muslim; .2% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Pray to be considerate to the less fortunate (Psalms 41:1).
Optional Reading: Matthew 27
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:6