For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat: When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto the Lord: So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute for ever to them, even to him and to his seed throughout their generations.(Ex. 30:19-21).
God’s instructions regarding the composition and construction of the Tabernacle were clear and concise. The Tabernacle and all of its furnishings were required to be completed according to His exact specifications. Each consecrated item had to be placed and used in a specific manner to bring honor to God. But the most important aspect of obedience came from human worship. Then, as is now, there was only one acceptable way to enter God's presence. Any deviation from the prescribed route would have resulted in death. Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me (John 14:6).
After the priest washed his hands and feet at the laver, he proceeded toward the Tabernacle and entered through a heavy linen veil—the only door to the Holy Place. On the left was the seven-branched candlestick (lampstand) of solid beaten gold. It provided the only source of light in the Holy Place. And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it (Ex. 30:7). This pure light represented the love and grace that we now have through Jesus Christ our Lord. God provided the light, but diligent priestly effort was needed to keep it trimmed and burning bright. Had the priests neglected their duties, they would have been plunged into darkness, just as if we were to turn our backs on the teachings of Christ, we would be overwhelmed by the darkness of sin. The light (Jesus) would still be in the world, but we would be blind to it. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not (John 1:5). Only by keeping our minds and hearts open to Him can we take full advantage of His light.
The Holy Place also contained the table of shewbread with its twelve loaves of unleavened bread sprinkled with incense. This bread was required to be presented to the Lord weekly, on the Sabbath. It was to be eaten by the priests, but only in the Holy Place (Lev. 6:16-26; 24:5-9). None could be removed and eaten elsewhere. The Shewbread was required by God as more than just a means of bodily nourishment. Consumed only in the presence of the light, it was symbolic of the spiritual sustenance we receive from meditating over the Word of God with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
As children of God under the Covenant of grace established through Jesus Christ our Lord, the shewbread is now ours. We have been given a place at His pure table to feed upon Christ, the Living Word, in the light of the Holy Spirit. As we continue to read His Word through the filter of the Holy Spirit, our lives will be transformed. The Holy Spirit enlightens and empowers the lives of those who prayerfully continue to digest the Word of God, the Bread of Life.
But He answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God(Matt. 4:4).
Thought For TodayGod’s Word is a sustenance that many have been starved of for so long that they no longer realize their need.
Word Studies29:2 unleavened bread = bread without yeast, a symbol of Christ as the sinless offering; 29:17 unto = on top of; 29:18 sweet savour = pleasant fragrance, acceptance; 29:27 heaved = set aside
Christ Revealed:Through the Laver, Christ is revealed as both the container and the dispenser of Living Water (Ex. 30:18; John 4:10). In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you (John 7:37, 15:3; compare I Cor. 10:4).
Pray For Staff:Tifany Parisi • Government Officials: Chief Justice John Roberts • Country: Philippines (107,668,231) Southeast Asia • Major Languages: Filipino, English • Religious persecution in some areas • 82.9% Catholic; 5% Muslim; 2.8% Evangelical; 2.3% Iglesia ni Cristo; 4.5% Other Christian; 1.8% Other; 0.6% Unspecified; 0.1% None • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that God will move His people to give faithfully to His work (Mal. 3:8-10).
Optional Reading:Matthew 27