The Holy Place.
And you shall put it in front of the veil that is above the ark of the testimony, in front of the mercy seat that is above the testimony, where I will meet with you. And Aaron shall burn fragrant incense on it. Every morning when he dresses the lamps he shall burn it, - Exodus 30:6-7 ESV
We’ve looked at the path into and through the Tabernacle courtyard, past the altar and the bronze basin of washing. On the other side of those was the curtained entrance into the Tabernacle or the Tent of Meeting. Through this first curtain was the first chamber of the Tabernacle, called the Holy Place.
Only the priests could enter here, and only after having purified themselves according to God’s detailed instructions. The only light came from the Golden Lamp Stand on the left hand side of the Holy place. To the right was the Table of the Bread of Presence. Here, twelve fresh loaves of bread represented each tribe of Israel. Straight ahead at the end of the chamber was the Golden Altar of Incense, placed right up against the second curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies, the final chamber, where God’s presence dwelled.
The symbolic importance of the light from the Golden Lamp Stand is often mentioned in the Gospels. Jesus refers to Himself as the Light of the World, the light which makes it possible to know God and draw near to Him. The bread is used as frequently, especially in the book of John, where Jesus refers to Himself as the Bread of Life. Today though we’re going to focus on the source of the sweet smelling smoke which continually filled the Holy Place. It was burned every morning and every evening on the Golden Altar of Incense.
And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. - Revelation 5:8 ESV
Scripture likens the prayers of the people of God to the rising smoke of incense. We find references to this in Psalms, Ezekiel and the Book of Revelation. Of particular interest to us is where this Altar is placed. Being right up against the curtained entrance to the Holy of Holies, the smoke of this incense would be taken into the final chamber, only by the High Priest and only once a year on the Day of Atonement.
Jesus being our High Priest, did away with this curtain, which we will look at tomorrow. In doing so, He opened up a way for our prayer to rise constantly to God our Father. It amazing to picture this opening and the incense drifting into the Holy of Holies, the place where God’s presence dwelled. Unhindered by our sin, the sweet smelling prayers of His people are now before Him all the time.
Prayer
Dear Father God Almighty, as we desire to draw near to You today and remember the night on which our Lord Jesus Christ was betrayed, we Thank You for our precious High Priest, our Lord Jesus Christ. Your Word tells us that He is interceding for us, carrying our prayers to You Father God. Thank You that You hear us, and that our prayer is always before You. Please help us as we commemorate Your amazing love to us, and to appreciate everything that our Lord Jesus has done for us. Help us to pray Your will Father, and to offer up acceptable prayer requests to You. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Worship
What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged— Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful, Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy-laden, Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge— Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded, There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship Will be our sweet portion there.
In these difficult times, the one thing we can all do, anywhere any time. Is to pray for each other. Today, as we contemplate Christ’s great loving sacrifice, let’s connect with someone we haven’’t spoken to in a while and just ask them how we can pray for them, their situation and their loved ones. May the Lord bless us and keep us as we serve Him in gratitude for what He’s done.