Hello Friend/Guest,

It is Sunday January 27, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Exodus. Please read, Exodus 29-31. In today's lesson we will read and learn about the rules and sacrifices for the priests; continual burnt offering; the Altar of Incense; the holy anointing oil; Sabbath regulations; and the two tablets of stone Moses received.

The priests who ministered in the Tabernacle had to be cleansed before entering. "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein. For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat: When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto the LORD: So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute for ever to them, even to him and to his seed throughout their generations." (Exodus 30:17-21). 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. Notice how precise each detail is given to fulfill God's will. Praise the Lord! He is also concerned with each detail of our lives.

There are many Scriptures which mention anointing oil or the act of anointing kings and priests with oil, which is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. The anointing is symbolic of the indwelling Holy Spirit who enables Christians to serve the Lord. "Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his head, and anoint him." (29:7). The Christ is Greek for the Hebrew title The Messiah (The Anointed One). From the first promise of a Deliverer in Genesis 3:15, through the promise of God's special Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15) and King (Psalm 2:1-9), the Israelites looked for The Anointed One to deliver them from oppression.

After the Lord spoke with Moses once again regarding the Sabbath He then gave him two tablets of stone containing His commandments, and rules for everyone including priests, written by God himself. "Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed. And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God." (31:16-18).

God has provided us with just one book, the Holy Bible, as the source of understanding His will for us. We need to be faithful in our reading and studying of God's Word. All the answers and help you need to get you through any obstacle is right there. Just call on the Lord and He will lead you there.

In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed through the Laver (Exodus 30:18). Jesus Christ is the holder and the dispenser of the oil we need to be annointed with and cleansed from sin.

Today's Psalm: 23:5
"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Help me to remain faithful to You and your calling upon my life. Strengthen and grow my faith as I daily search Your Scriptures and apply their truths to my spiritual walk. As I go through the trials and experiences of my earthly journey would You fix my eyes and my ever-wandering heart upon Jesus. When the howling winds and forceful storms of this life attempt to shipwreck my faith may they instead prove my faith to be more than sufficient to withstand the continual assaults from the enemy. Because I take refuge in Jesus my spiritual foundation is firm, always dependable, and leads me to glorious victory. In Jesus' name, I pray......Amen.

Have a wonderful, peaceful  day/night.
God Bless,
Christina

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