Fri.’s Devo - The Altar of Incense

Read Ex. 30:1-10 God commanded Moses to build an altar to burn incense on. It was to be 1x1x2 cubits and be made of wood then overlaid with gold. It was to have a crown around the top edge with horns on the corners. The horns were to remind the people of the ram caught in the thicket who was the replacement for Isaac just as one wearing a crown of thorns would be our replacement. The wood spoke of this natural realm covered with the heavenly gold. Jesus came down as a natural man but rose a victorious ruler of heaven and earth and is now seated with God on a throne of glory. This box had rings on the corners to carry it. It was the last piece of furniture that the priest stopped at before he entered the Holy of Holies. On this table was the incense which stood for the prayers of all the people and the priest. The priest would enter behind the last curtain into the Holy of Holies bearing blood from the brazen altar and incense from this table. This is the intercession of others and Jesus who “ever lives to make intercession for the saints.” (Heb. 7:25) And, Romans 8:26,27 says, “Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because he makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” I dreamed one night that I was looking down into an ancient room full of different kinds of lamps all burning incense. I could hear mumblings in every language. It was a very holy place and when I woke up I knew I had been in the prayer room in heaven. Lord, we thank you that your spirit prays for us constantly praying what we need to grow in you.