Bible Pathway - Jan. 29, 2011
Read Exodus 35
Highlights:
Freewill offerings for the Tabernacle; construction of the Tabernacle; the Ark; Mercy Seat; Table of Shewbread; Candlestick (Lampstand); Altar of Incense.
The Tabernacle and all its furniture was constructed according to the fashion thereof which was shewed thee in the mount (Ex. 26:30). Nothing was added, altered, or left out. And every wise hearted among you shall come, and make all that the Lord hath commanded (35:10-11).
The Tabernacle was more than a worship center. Its design and order of worship were meant to teach Israel the meaning of the Covenant made at Sinai. Furthermore, it was a means whereby the Holy God could fellowship with sinful man through its sacrificial system. It was further designed to lead the believer into the Lord's presence undefiled, with a heart, thoughts, and motives to please Him. The Tabernacle and every item were symbolic of Jesus Christ's life, ministry, and our relationship with Him.
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 (Ex. 37:25-26,29). Moses was told 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 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 Brazen Altar.
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 watchful care (John 17:1-26; Heb. 7:25).
Each morning, Aaron the high priest would refill the lamps 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 add the incense 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).
None of the "mixed multitude" could enter the one gate to this enclosure — only a true Israelite. Jesus, our Savior, said: I am The Door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved. . . . I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me (John 10:9; 14:6).
Thought for Today:
But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace (Ps. 37:11).
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 Government Officials: Rep. Paul Ryan (WI) and Rep. Lee Terry (NE) • Country: Solomon Islands (455,000) in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: 120 indigenous languages • Religious freedom • 66% Protestant; 17% Roman Catholic; 4% spirit worship, ancestor worship, and sorcery • Prayer Suggestion: Continually watch and pray so that you won't yield to temptation in a moment of weakness (Matt. 26:41).
Optional Reading: Mark 1
Memory Verse for the Week: Proverbs 30:5
