What does setting up the altar of incense symbolize in our worship today? Setting the Scene—Exodus 40:5 “Put the golden altar of incense in front of the ark of the testimony, and hang the veil at the entrance to the tabernacle.” • The altar stood directly before the veil, as close to God’s presence as a person could come without passing through the curtain. • Its placement teaches that fragrant incense—and what it represents—must precede entrance into God’s holy presence. Incense = Prayer Rising to God • Psalm 141:2: “May my prayer be set before You like incense…” • Revelation 8:3-4: “The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God…” • Worship today: every time believers pray, sincere petitions ascend like the priest’s fragrant cloud. Continual, Faithful Devotion Exodus 30:7-8 tells Aaron to burn incense “every morning” and “at twilight.” • Morning and evening symbolize an unbroken rhythm. • 1 Thessalonians 5:17: “Pray without ceasing.” • Habitual prayer keeps the fragrance fresh in God’s sanctuary and in our hearts. A Sweet Aroma God Delights In • Ephesians 5:2: Christ “gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.” • 2 Corinthians 2:15: “For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ…” • When we approach the Father through the Son, our worship carries Christ’s own pleasing fragrance. Mediation and Intercession • Priests interceded for Israel; their incense was mediatory. • Hebrews 7:25: Jesus “always lives to intercede” for us. • Our prayers join His perfect intercession, reaching the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). Purity Matters—No Strange Fire • Leviticus 10:1-2: Nadab and Abihu offered “unauthorized fire” and perished. • God requires worship in spirit and truth, offered with reverence—not self-styled shortcuts or polluted motives. Practical Takeaways for Worship Today • Prepare the heart: confession cleanses the worshiper so prayer may ascend unhindered. • Cultivate consistency: set regular “morning and evening” moments to keep incense burning. • Value intercession: lift others before God, mirroring the priestly ministry and Christ’s example. • Guard purity: offer biblical, Christ-centered prayers, avoiding fleshly showmanship. • Expect nearness: the altar was inches from the veil; through Christ the veil is torn, so draw near confidently. When we “set up the altar of incense” in our own lives—prioritizing pure, continual, Christ-scented prayer—we echo Exodus 40:5 and experience intimate, joyful fellowship with the living God. |
    |