In the old testament from the instructions of God to Aaron, we observe the ministry of the priests in the sanctuary.
“Aaron must burn fragrant incense on the altar every morning when he tends the lamps. He must burn incense again when he lights the lamps at twilight so incense will burn regularly before the Lord for the generations to come.”
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 specitic 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. And the Bible says we’ve been made “kings and priests unto God”, we’re a 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 wasthe 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; Ephesians 5:18-20, shows you how.
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:18-20 NIV
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.
Do not forget who you are! You are the sanctuary.
Xo,
Zoe🌟