As we journey through each article that was part of Israel’s worship after they left Egypt, we see Jesus in all of it. This was God’s design before the beginning of time. Everything would point to His dear Son who would give Himself a ransom for our sins. The word “ransom” means literally a price paid for the redemption of captives. When the ransom is paid, the captive is set free. We were, before salvation, held captive by our sins. God declared that the sinner shall die in Ezekiel 18:20: “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Then in Romans 6:23 Paul reiterates this truth. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” The debt of sin had to be paid. Sin cannot enter into Heaven because God is holy.
Matthew 20:28 “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
As we walk through the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, we see the articles held in it. The table of showbread, the altar of incense, and the seven-branched golden candlestick would be held and maintained in this area. While the outer court was accessible to all worshipers bringing their sacrifices, the Holy Place was a sacred sanctuary reserved for the priests to minister before the Lord.
Upon entering, you would see the Table of Showbread to your right. Here would be twelve loaves of bread. This table signified God’s constant provision and covenant with His people. While in the desert, headed to the Promised Land, God would feed them daily. Each morning they were to gather manna, which was small, wafer-like bread made with honey. In the evening, He sent them large flocks of quail. They were provided daily with meat and bread. He also gave them water from the rock to quench their thirst. Each day they were to gather only enough for the day, except on the sixth day they would gather a double portion so there would be no work on the Sabbath and no manna or quail that would fall on the Sabbath. In John 6:35, Jesus declares that He is the “bread of life.” While God provided for them physically with bread, meat, and water, this reminds us that Jesus alone satisfies the hunger of our soul, and He sustains us spiritually each day. There is always enough.
John 6:35 “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”
Across from the Table of Showbread was the Golden Lampstand, or what the Jews refer to as the Menorah. It was fueled by pure olive oil and provided the only light in the room. This foreshadowed Jesus as the Light of the world. In John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life.” When Jesus went back to Heaven, the Holy Spirit was sent to dwell within believers. He now illuminates the truth of God’s word in our lives. When we follow His leadership, He will direct us through this dark world.
As we move further into the Holy Place, we see the Altar of Incense. It is positioned directly in front of the veil leading to the Holy of Holies. Incense was burned continuously on this altar. It constantly sent a sweet aroma up to God. In Psalm 141:2, the psalmist links this fragrance to the prayers we pray. Not only are they sweet to God, but because of Jesus, we are invited to bring our prayers to Him continuously.
Psalm 141:2 “Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.”
God was serious about how they were to worship. The Altar of Incense required a special mixture of spices to be used only for the Tabernacle. Nothing else was to be burned on the altar. God clearly shows how serious He is about following His directions in Leviticus 10:1-2. When two of Aaron’s sons offered a “strange fire” before the Lord, they were struck dead.
Leviticus 10:1-2 “And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.”
In Luke 1:5-17 we see Zechariah in the Holy place when an angel appeared near the Altar of Incense. The angel announced to Zechariah that he and Elisabeth would have a son in their old age. This son, John the Baptist, would turn many of the Israelites to the Lord God.
Luke 1:16 “And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.”
Today, spend some time feasting on the Bread of Life, allowing the Light of the World to open your eyes to the truths of His word. Start by spending time in prayer, sending up a sweet-smelling aroma to the Lord. We need to be so thankful that we no longer have to go through the rituals of the Old Testament. We show that gratitude by embracing the privilege of entering into God’s presence through Jesus Christ, His Son. If we are hungry or thirsty for more of God, it is no one’s fault but our own.
