MINISTERING IN THE SANCTUARY
For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and
the table, and the shewbread; which is
called the sanctuary (Hebrews 9:2).
In the Old Testament, from the instructions God gave to Aaron in Exodus 30:7-8, we observe the ministry of the priests in the sanctuary. He said that the lamps must be perpetually on; and when lighting
them in the evening, and in the morning, he must burn incense. These were very specific instructions concerning the priests’ ministry in the sanctuary under the Old Testament.
Now, reading our theme verse in the New International Version, it says, “A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place.”
In that sanctuary, we’ve got three things: the bread (table of shewbread), the candlestick (the Menorah), and just before the veil, the altar of incense. These were the three articles of furniture in the Holy Place. How does this apply to us today?
The “bread” is our study and meditation on the Word. Recall that the “shewbread,” which is also referred to as the Bread of His presence, was eaten only by the priests (Leviticus 8:31, Leviticus 24:8). And
the Bible says we’ve been made “kings and priests unto God” (Revelation 1:6); we’re holy priesthood unto God. Therefore, we’re qualified to eat the “Bread of His presence,” which represents our meditation on the Word.
The second thing in that sanctuary every day was the lamp of the Spirit. God said to Aaron, “…When thou lightest the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light over against the candlestick” (Numbers 8:2).
This represents the seven spirits of God: “And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God” (Revelation 4:5). This refers to the fullness of the
Spirit; our fellowship and continual infilling of the Spirit. You’re to maintain that fullness of the Spirit every day; study Ephesians 5:18-21; it shows you how.
The third thing in that sanctuary was the altar of incense, which signifies the prayer ministry of the saints: “Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening
sacrifice” (Psalm 141:2). This refers to our prayer of worship, praise, thanksgiving and intercession. Today, you’re that sanctuary, and in the sanctuary, it’s about these three things: the Word, the Spirit, and prayer. Meditate on the Word every day; be ever-filled with the Spirit; and pray always.
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for the privilege of my ministry in your sanctuary. As I give myself to prayer, the study of and meditation on the Word, being constantly filled with the Spirit, I win always. Your
Spirit is at work in me, and I have ever-increasing grace for ever-increasing ministry, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Exodus 30:7-8 NKJV; Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:18-20
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 25:1-12 & Psalms 7-10
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Galatians 5:1-12 & Isaiah 37
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