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 Aaron shall burn on it sweet incense every morning; when he tends the lamps, he shall burn incense on it. 8 And when Aaron lights the lamps [a]at twilight, he shall burn incense on it, a perpetual incense before the Lord throughout your generations.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Ephesians 5:18-20 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

1 Year Bible Reading Plan : Acts 25:1-12 & Psalms 7-10

2 Year Bible Reading Plan : Galatians 5:1-12 & Isaiah 37