Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Tuesday January 29, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Exodus. Please read, Exodus 35-37. In today's lesson we will read and learn about Freewill offerings for the Tabernacle; the construction of the Tabernacle; the Ark of the Testimony; the Mercy Seat; the Table of Showbread; the Candlestick; & the Altar of Incense.

The next three chapters describe the actual building of the Tabernacle. All it's furniture was constructed according to the Word of God. Nothing was added, altered, or left out. "And every wise hearted among you shall come, and make all that the LORD hath commanded; The tabernacle, his tent, and his covering, his taches, and his boards, his bars, his pillars, and his sockets, The ark, and the staves thereof, with the mercy seat, and the vail of the covering, The table, and his staves, and all his vessels, and the shewbread, The candlestick also for the light, and his furniture, and his lamps, with the oil for the light, And the incense altar, and his staves, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the door at the entering in of the tabernacle, The altar of burnt offering, with his brasen grate, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot, The hangings of the court, his pillars, and their sockets, and the hanging for the door of the court, The pins of the tabernacle, and the pins of the court, and their cords, The cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office." (Exodus 35:10-19).

It was more than a worship center. It's design and order of worship were meant to teach Israel the meaning of the Covenant made at Sinai. Furthermore, it was a means whereby the Holy God could fellowship with sinful man through its sacrificial system. It was further designed to lead the believer into the Lord's presence undefiled, with heart, thought, and motives to please Him. The Tabernacle and every item were symbolic of Jesus Christ's life, ministry, and our relationship with Him.

The Altar of Incense was symbolic of Christ as our Intercessor and was located near the Most Holy Place. The priests were permitted in the Holy Place, but only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and then only once a year on the Day of Atonement. In front of the veil was a Gold Altar. This Altar was much smaller than the Brazen Altar, but was far more costly since it was covered with pure gold. Sacrificial animals were presented to God on the Brazen Altar to atone for sin. It was near the entrance to the courtyard.

Each morning, Aaron the high priest would refill the lamps of the Candlestick with pure olive oil and burn incense upon the altar. He would take a coal of fire from the Brazen Altar and place it on the Altar of Incense and then place the incense on it as a sweet fragrance that ascended toward heaven day and night. God alone was the source of fire on this Altar.

Today, only Jesus Christ can make it possible for us to approach the Holy Heavenly Father in prayer. An unsaved man may enter a church building, hear sermons, sing hymns and read a Bible, but only believers who have received Christ as Savior and Lord of their lives can experience a true relationship with God. Christ our High Priest is interceding for us each time we pray. We are encouraged: "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7).
Today's Psalm: 25:5
"Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day."
Today's Prayer comes from Psalm 25
"Dear Lord,
Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause. Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.   Have a wonderful bless filled day/night.
God Bless,
Christina
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