Altar of Incense

 

 

As our Bible Study Teacher at Open Door Church began the Morning Lesson, she suggested that we consider various places where we strongly sense the Presence of the Lord.  Some students said, driving in their car, or while walking in their garden, or in the shower.  I took notes and present an edited message here for you to enjoy. 

Our teacher mentioned last night while viewing the heavens and the crescent moon with the evening star close by, caused her to be aware of God’s mighty presence. 

Psalms 8:3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; 

The heavens are filled with billions of stars and planets.  Beyond the veil of the sky we can only imagine God dwelling there. 

Isaiah 40:26 Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that brings out their host by number: he calls them all by names by the greatness of his might - - - 

Jacob dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and the angels of God ascending and descending on it.  God gave him a promise of blessing, and Jacob said. “Surely God is in this place.” 

Job declares: Job 25:5 God is more glorious than the moon; he shines brighter than the stars. 

In the Tent Tabernacle we will consider another piece of furniture; the altar of incense. 

Exodus 30:1-10  And you shall make an altar to burn incense upon: of acacia wood shall you make it.  Overlay it with pure gold, the top of it, and the sides of it round about, and its horns; and you shall make unto it a molding of gold round about.

The altar was to be placed before the veil that is by the ark of the testimony, in front of the mercy seat that is over the testimony, where God promised to meet with the people. 

Aaron was to burn this sweet smelling incense on the altar every morning: and every evening when he tended to the lamps.  Once a year on the day of atonement, the priest sprinkled blood on the horns of the altar of incense.

God commanded that no strange incense was to be offered on this altar.  Two of Aaron’s sons disobeyed this instruction and were struck dead when they offered strange fire before God.

Song of Solomon 1:3  Because of the fragrance of your good ointments your name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love you.

The incense burnt on the altar was a symbol of the prayers and intercession of the people going up to God as a sweet fragrance. God wanted His dwelling to be a place where people could approach Him and pray to Him.