THE TABERNACLE: THE ALTAR OF INCENSE
Exodus 30:1-10, 34-38; 37:25-29
Unlike the Brazen Altar, the Golden Altar in the Holy Place was not used to offer sacrifices, but only to burn incense. Burning incense expressed worship, praise, and prayer. Exodus 30:1 “make an altar to burn incense upon.” Psalm 14 1:2 ” let my prayers be…before Thee as incense.” Luke 1:10 “Praying…at the time of incense.” Revelation 8:3-4 “incense…with the prayers…”
1. THE MATERIAL OF THE ALTAR: THE PERSON WHO PRAYS FOR US
Exodus 30:1,3 Wood and gold — Christ’s humanity and diety;
IT IS CHRIST HIMSELF THAT PRAYS FOR US
Hebrews 7:25 “He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” I John 2:1 “we have an advocate Jesus Christ.” NOTE: Our prayers are acceptable only through Him. John 14:13 “whatsoever ye shall ask in My Name.”
2. THE HEIGHT OF THE ALTAR: THE PLACE WHERE HE PRAYS FOR US
Exodus 30:2 “two cubits shall be the height thereof.” Being two cubits high, the golden altar of incense was higher than all the other furniture, except the brazen altar. IT IS THE ASCENDED, EXALTED CHRIST THAT PRAYS FOR US. Phillipans 2:9; Romans 8:4 “at the right hand of God…intercession.”
NOTE: The same access to God is also our privilege. Hebrews 4:16 “let us…come boldly unto the throne of grace.”
3. THE HORNS OF THE ALTAR: THE POWER OF HIS PRAYERS FOR US
Expdus 30:2-3 “the horns thereof…overlay it with pure gold.” Horns are a symbol of power (see the brazen altar); overlaid with gold they speak especially of God’s power. iT IS THE ALMIGHTY CHRIST THAT PRAYS FOR US. Hebrews 7:25 “He is ABLE…make intercession for them.” Luke 22:31-32 “Satan hath desired….but I have prayed.” NOTE: We believers have His power in prayer. John 14:13 “whatsoever ye shall ask…that will I do.”
4. THE ANNUAL ATTONEMENT: THE BASIS OF HIS PRAYER FOR US
Exodus 30:10. Once a year, the blood of the offering was sprinkled on the horns of the altar, thus identifying the altar of incense with the altar of sacrifice IT is the Blood of Christ that is the basis of His plea. Romans 8:34 “Christ…died…also maketh interrcession.” NOTE: It is His blood that enables us to pray. Ephesians 2:13 “made nigh by the blood of Christ.”
5. THE DAILY INCENSE: THAT CHRIST PRAYS FOR US
Exodus 30:7-8 “Every morning…at evening…perpetual.” IT IS CEASELESSLY THAT CHRIST PRAYS FOR US. Hebrewa 7:25 “He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” NOTE: We also should pray as faithfully. I Thess. 5:17 “pray without ceasing.”
