Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule:
Exodus 29-32
The Lord commanded, in chapter 30, that incense would burn before Him continually; therefore, He commands Moses to build an altar made of the usual acacia wood. The altar would measure one foot long, one foot wide, and two cubits high. The entire top and sides were to be overlaid with gold, and they must also make a border of gold on the top to prevent anything from falling off. The altar would be transported by means of poles, made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, inserted through gold rings.
As to the order of burning incense, Aaron would begin the procedure by burning incense every morning when he trimmed and cleaned the candlestick. Upon lighting the candlestick, or lamp, he must also burn incense. In other words, God commanded that the priests burn incense continually before Him. But not just any incense could be burned on this altar. In fact, this altar was not to be used as an altar for any other reason than specifically prescribed here. The altar itself would be set apart each year for this use by Aaron (and his descendants, the duly appointed priests), who would make atonement for it.
One obvious feature of the general service of the tabernacle would be the cost involved. Therefore, God gave Moses specific instructions on how to raise the funds. During a general census Moses was to exact a half shekel from each Israelite. Failure either to enact or comply with this feature would result in a general plague. It is interesting to note how God varied his instructions to Moses from general to specific. The directions he gave Moses here are quite specific, even including the type and quantity of spices. Moses was to gather five hundred shekels of myrrh and cassia and half that much of cinnamon and fragrant cane. He would add to that a hin of oil. He (or one skilled in this procedure) would then blend them into sacred oil used in anointing the priests. He then would anoint the other articles used in the sacred service.
The holy incense, to be burned continually before the Lord, would come from fragrant spices.The spices included gum resin, onycha, galbanum, and frankincense, all in equal amounts.The priests were to add salt to the blend, then grind it to powder. Finally, they were to place it in front of the curtain which stood before the ark of the covenant. The smell must have been tantalizing, and no doubt it was a temptation for one to duplicate it. But God commanded them not to do so on threat of death.
Our sacrifice of praise is a sweet smell to the Lord. I believe we should all spend some time each morning thanking God and praising Him for all He has done, is doing, and will do.
Prayer Requests:
Personal
- Lord, please help me to be a generous Christian. I want to be generous with my time, talents, and treasures.
- Lord, please help me to be cheerful in every opportunity to share that which has been entrusted to me.
- Lord, thank you for being so very generous to me.
Political
- Representative Jim Haadsma – District 062 – Battle Creek
- Representative Matt Hall – District 063 – Marshall
- Representative Abdullah Hammoud – District 015 – Dearborn