THE ALTAR
Today’s Reading: Exodus 27
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
The High Priest in front of the Golden Lampstand in the Holy Place. This lamp would burn continually and brightly, fuelled by pure olive oil. This photo was taken in the full-sized replica of the Old Testament Tabernacle, which was on display during the summer of 2012 at the Crossroads Centre in Burlington, Ontario. Rev. Rick Hiebert portrays the High Priest.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.
Key Verse: Exodus 27:20
And you shall command the children of Israel that they bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to cause the lamp to burn continually.
The horns of the altar literally stand out for all who enter the outer court of the Tabernacle (in tomorrow’s blog we will include a photo of what those horns on that altar may have looked like). As with some animals, the horns speak of protection from attack as well as weapons to attack. Defence and offense are God’s commitments to us. God cares for all who trust Him. Animal sacrifices were consumed here. For us who believe in Jesus Christ, the Sacrifice of the Cross provides protection and also we must be on the offensive with the Cross as our message to the whole world. The olive tree and its fruit always represent the spiritual devotional life of the people of God. The olive oil was to be replenished without fail every day. The Sunday School chorus says, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” This blog is one way to make sure our spiritual life is burning brightly 24/7.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I pray for fresh oil in the lamp of my life today. Holy Spirit, You are often represented in Scripture as Oil. When my light is about to go out, please fill me with Yourself, Holy Spirit. I want to be a brightly shining light in this dark world. Thank You for answering my prayer. I receive now. In the Name of Jesus, the One of whom John the Baptist said, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matthew 3:11b). Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Among my childhood memories are the words of prayers I would hear God’s people pray. One had to do with holding onto the horns of the altar. My imagination was fired with a picture of the one praying, holding to those horns and refusing to let go, until God’s voice was heard and His purposes fulfilled. This is a stubborn unyielding determination to stay in fervent prayer until the answer came from God. “Yes!” “No!” “Slow!” “Grow!” Then there was my Father’s prayer and one of the many couplets he would quote. It went like this: “May Heaven come down our souls to greet, and may Glory crown the Mercy Seat.” I was not too sure what it meant, but I knew that Dad’s prayer face lit up with joy. What an amazing spiritual inheritance I received from my parents. Norma-Jean and I had a different pattern we followed with our children, but the results were the same in their lives as in mine. The Oil was replenished daily and the flame continues until today.
Yours for the daily infilling of the Holy Spirit, helping us all to burn brightly,
David
There’s days when my flame doesn’t burn very brightly but it will never go out.
Blessings dear saints.
Amen Lynda bless you dear sister in Christ.
Thank you for your heartfelt prayer today Pastor David, may I have the privilege of taking it for myself, as I ask the Lord to fill me daily with a renewal if His Spirit.
So many wonderful craftsmen, skilled by God, and supples given to follow His pattern for The Tabernacle.
Blessings today and I too am grateful for the heritage of godly parents to pass on to our children and grandchildren.
Thank you, faithful saints, for your prayers for my nephew, Jon. A new door opened for him already and he said he believes in miracles! Amen!!! I am so grateful!! Thank You, Lord Jesus!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCa4FZkdyJE
Thank you Beverlee for that link to a beautiful song….everyday there is something to be thankful for, Praise God from who all blessings flow.
Thanks David for that picture of holding on to the horns…..that’s what I am doing. It’s a good picture word. Thanks also fellow bloggers for your prayer last week. I am out of the dark now, and anxious as to what the Lord has for me. We are heading our to Victoria to see that second grandchild..can’t wait! I’m sure these past struggles will not be wasted..god must have something for me to do with them.
God’s name Is spelled with a gigantic “G” a typo
“Fill me now, fill me now, Spirit come and and fill me now, fill me with Your Holy presence come O come and fill me now”
a portion of a song that came to mind, as I read the scriptures, and your personal prayer Rev. David Mainse;
fill me with Your fresh oil that will burn continually I pray, for Your Glory Lord God Almighty! AMEN and AMEN!!
I recall the replica of the Old Testament Tabernacle that you had on display at Crossroads Centre in Burlington, ON during the summer of 2012; unfortunately I was unable to visit it. I watched many enter it, as revealed on some of your TV programs during that time.
Pray the prayer for myself as well. Praise God Beverlee for a quick answer to prayer.