Exodus 30

ScriptureExodus 30:7-8⁷ “Every morning when Aaron maintains the lamps, he must burn fragrant incense on the altar. ⁸ And each evening when he lights the lamps, he must again burn incense in the Lord’s presence.Observation - What does it say?As the building plans continue to unfold, God commands the Israelites through Moses to build an altar for offering incense. The incense altar would be placed right outside the curtain that shielded the Ark of the Covenant. And every morning and every evening Aaron was required to burn incense on the altar.Understanding - What does it mean?When you consider the greater context of scripture, incense is almost always mentioned alongside, or as a synonym for, prayer:

• According to Luke 1:10, “when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.”
• The Psalmist said in Psalm 141:2, “May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.”
• Revelation 4 and 5 describe the throne of God in heaven and the elders and creatures that surround it. Revelation 5:8 says, “… the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.”
• Revelation 8:3 says, “Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne.”

The true incense that rises as a pleasing aroma to God is the prayers of his people! Today, we have confidence that God hears and delights in our prayers as one would delight in the smell of expensive perfume. And we not only have the opportunity to offer prayers in the morning and evening but continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17)! What an amazing privilege!Life ApplicationPray! Imagine my prayers as incense rising to God and filling the golden bowls that surround his throne.

God, thank you that our prayers, like fragrant incense, are a pleasing aroma to you. May we offer them continually! Teach us how to pray and may you lead and guide our thoughts and words as we offer them to you. Amen.

To check out the discussion or to join in click here.