Read Exodus 29
Highlights:
Notice how precisely each detail is given of the Tabernacle and the clothes of the high priest. The Lord is also concerned with each detail of our lives. The rules and sacrifices for consecrating the priests; continual Burnt Offering; Altar of Incense; the ransom of souls; the holy anointing oil; Sabbath regulations. Moses receives two tables of stone. Written by the finger of God (Ex. 31:18).
The priests who ministered in the Tabernacle had to be cleansed before entering. The Lord spake unto Moses . . . make a Laver (tub, basin) of Brass, and his foot (base) 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 (Ex. 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 Shewbread with its 12 loaves of unleavened bread sprinkled with incense. The name Shewbread suggests more than just bodily nourishment. It provides spiritual insight that is not obtainable anywhere else. The Shewbread 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 the Word of God which is the Bread of Life, the Holy Spirit uses it to enlighten and then transform our lives. 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 ye may grow thereby (I Pet. 2:1-2).
On the left was the seven-branched Candlestick made of solid beaten gold. Its seven lamps burned continually with pure olive oil. It was the only source of light in the Holy Place and that light fell on the Shewbread, the only other item in the Holy Place (Lev. 24:2-4). There were no windows for light from the world.
God has provided just one Book — the Holy Bible — as the source of Light for understanding His will. It is written: Thy Word is a Lamp unto my feet, and a Light unto my path. . . . The entrance of Thy words giveth Light; it giveth understanding unto the simple (Ps. 119:105,130; Prov. 6:23).
Christ declared: I am The Light of the World: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have The Light of Life (John 8:12).
Thought for Today:
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee (Is. 26:3).
Christ Revealed:
Through the Laver, Christ is revealed as both the Container and the Dispenser of Living Water (Ex. 30:18; John 4:10). Jesus . . . cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. . . . ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you (7:37, 15:3; compare I Cor. 10:4).
Word Studies:
29:2 unleavened bread bread without yeast, a symbol of Christ as the sinless offering; 29:17 unto on top of; 29:18 sweet savour pleasant fragrance, acceptance; 29:27 heaved set aside; 29:28 statute perpetual obligation; 29:41 meat grain, meal; 30:3 crown molding; 30:18 laver wash basin; 30:21 seed descendants; 30:25 apothecary perfume maker; 30:28 his foot its base; 30:33 cut off excluded; 31:6 are wise hearted have understanding hearts.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Rep. John Mica (FL), Chief Justice John Roberts, and Rep. Zach Space (OH) • Country: Slovakia (5 million) central Europe • Major languages: Slovak and Hungarian • Religious freedom • 60% Roman Catholic; 8% Protestant; 4% Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Remember, what is impossible with men is possible with God (Matt. 19:26).
Optional Reading: Matthew 27
Memory Verse for the Week: Proverbs 30:5