"THE TABERNACLE" Part #5

Welcome back to another time of devotion and study. We are in a continuing study on the Tabernacle as seen in The Old Testament and how it reflects the Church in The New Testament. I do hope each of you not only enjoys these but also learns something valuable from God's Holy Word. So let's begin;



VII. THE ALTAR OF INCENSE REPRESENTS OUR PRAYERS

The altar of incense was to be located in the holy place in front of the veil that is by the ark of the covenant (Ex. 30:6; 40:5, 26). Hebrews 9:3 states that it was located in the inner compartment of the tabernacle, the holy of holies; but such a location would have made the daily burning of incense impossible due to restrictions on entering the holy of holies (once a year by the high priest). I believe we have a translation problem in Heb. 9.

Made of acacia wood overlaid with "pure gold," this altar was 1 cubit square and 2 cubits high with four horns projecting from the corners and a rim of gold encircling it.
Every morning and evening the high priest was to offer incense – the only offering permitted on the "gold altar." Once a year he was to make "atonement" for the altar by applying blood to its horns.
(Revelation 5:8)

So our prayers are a sweet incense to God. In order to burn incense on this altar, coals were to be brought from the altar of burnt offerings. (Nadab and Abihu "offered strange fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them" (Lev. 10:1). "Strange fire" means that the fire offered was from another source, not authorized by God.

So we see that THE ALTAR OF INCENSE was impotent without THE ALTAR OF BURNT OFFERINGS. Our prayers are impotent without the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. God hears all prayers, but has promised to answer only the prayers of His people.

The blood shed on the altar of Calvary must be applied to your soul before your prayers are effective. This comes only by a proper relationship with God through HIS plan of salvation.


VIII. THE VEIL REPRESENTS CHRIST’S FLESH

The sanctuary proper was to be divided into two compartment, the "holy place" and the "most holy place," by a veil made from wool dyed "blue, purple, and scarlet," with linen perhaps used to highlight the cherubim design. The veil was suspended by means of gold hooks from four pillars of acacia wood overlaid with gold, set in silver pedestals. It was to be placed directly beneath the clasps by which the two halves of the tabernacle tapestry were joined.

The veil was that barrier that prevented anyone other than the high priest to come into what was thought of as the presence of God in the holy of holies.
THE VEIL relates to Christ’s flesh. (Hebrews 10:19-20)

When Jesus died on the cross, when His flesh was pierced, "the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom" (Matt. 27:51). Thus, by His death on the cross, Jesus opened the way so that all who will be converted may approach God through our High Priest, Jesus.

I will conclude our study for today and we will look at the last part next time. God bless and stay faithful.