Not having time to look at all of the Tabernacle in detail, there are a few areas that we can draw from in our study pertaining to worship. One such area is that of the Altar of Incense. The Altar of Incense sat out in front of the VEIL to the Holy of Holies. It was commanded that specific incense should be offered upon it.
Exodus 30:34-38 - “And the Lord said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight. And thou shalt make it a perfume, a confection after the art of the apothecary, tempered together, pure and holy. And thou shalt beat some of it very small, and put of it before the testimony in the tabernacle of the congregation, where I will meet with thee; it shall be unto you most holy. And as for the perfume which thou shalt make, ye shall not make to yourselves according to the composition thereof; it shall be unto thee holy for the Lord. Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereto, shall be cut off from his people.”
This speaks in type of God’s desire for pure spiritual worship and prayer. The Altar of Incense represents the prayers, praise and worship of the saints. Aaron was to offer incense twice daily (Exodus 30:7,8). The sweet fragrance and vapors filled the room and swept through the veil into the Holy of Holies where God’s presence dwelt. Jesus death brought a renting of the veil (Matthew 27:50,51) and as a result we have direct access into God’s Presence - as we come into the eternal heavenly Holy of Holies in worship. There is no veil if we receive the work he has done, and our worship comes directly before His presence as we, as priests, offer it at the altar (our meeting place with God) of incense (pure worship). (See Revelation 5:8,8:3.)
God is interested in our offering the right kind of incense, holy, and only to His glory. He desires the right smell from our worship. It is also important to note that the Altar of Incense was anointed with the holy oil of anointing by Moses (Exodus 30:25-27). This once again speaks of the fact that it is by the anointing, the flow of the Spirit, that we can worship.
The right kind of worship has to be offered and sacrificed for it to be accepted and accomplish its purpose (purposes are discussed further into the course). We must build the altar to meet with God, set aside time, discipline ourselves, even as the incense was necessary at specific intervals of time - the room needs to be continually filled with the right fragrance. It will smell right if the right components are used. Look at the ingredients in Exodus 30:34:
- Stacte
A substance obtained from the middle of a myrrh bush (its name - Storex). The substance was used as a powder (rosin); it was a very rare and valuable substance. This bush would ooze the sap, and it would then be used as an important part of the incense. What does this say to us about our worship? Spontaneous flow
- Onycha
This substance comes from a deep sea shellfish or clam called a mollusk, similar to the purple snail. The best shells of this type are found in the deep part of the Red Sea. This fishlike creature breathes, and as its flaps open, a clear substance flows. From the depths of our hearts - desperate for Him
- Galbanum
An amber substance, a rubbery resin of the thickened milky juice from the roots of a flowering plant, a species of ferula. The substance comes from the roots and in order for it to be obtained, the roots must be broken, then the substance flows. The more broken, the more fragrant the smell. Psalm 51:17 - Sacrifices of God are a broken spirit.
- Frankincense
This pure white substance represents the character and nature of Jesus. He represents total purity. He who knew no sin took on the sin of the world that we might be holy. Jesus is a very important part of our worship, for as He died and the veil in the tabernacle was rent, He became the perfected High Priest, offering the final sacrifice, becoming our mediator, intercessor, and advocate. He is in the middle of our worship.
Hebrews 2:12 - Jesus sings in the midst of the church.
Hebrews 12:22 - We are all assembled because Jesus gave himself up for us; a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
The Bride sees the bridegroom:
“Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all the powders of the merchant?” Solomon’s Song 3:6
The wise men truly brought the right gift to the king:
“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him; and when they had opened their treasures, they presented (offered) unto him gifts: gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11
Mix the three spices with Jesus, and you have worship acceptable to the Father, worship that takes you into the Holy of Holies to commune with Him.
