1208. The Bread and the Incense

The Bread and the Incense

"For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary" (Heb_9:2).

There is an objective in the eating of bread that we must not overlook. This objective is so beautifully set forth in the Tabernacle arrangement that we will speak of that for a moment.

Outside the Tabernacle proper and in the open court was the brazen altar and the laver. These were approached in the order given. The first stood as typical of salvation through the Blood, the second stood for cleansing.

As we enter the Tabernacle, we find the candlesticks at our left; the Shewbread at the right; farther on and before us is the altar of incense. In the Holy of Holies was the Ark overshadowed by the cherubim. Our especial attention is the Table of Shewbread and its relationship to the altar of incense.

The soul that has been saved at the brazen altar through the blood, washed and separated unto God at the laver, enters the holy place under the light of the candlestick. He must stand between the candlestick and the Shewbread lest he cause a shadow to fall on the Shewbread. The Table of Shewbread stands for Christ, the Bread that came down from Heaven.

The Table of Shewbread, however, does not conclude God's purpose for His own. It is God's stepping-stone to the altar of incense. We eat of Christ the Living Bread that we may prepare our hearts for the altar of incense.

1. The altar of incense is a true type of prayer. There are many who eat of the Bread which came down from Heaven, who never develop their prayer life. This is to be deplored. We would not seek for less of Bible teaching, for less of the study of the Word, but we would plead for more of prayer.

2. The altar of incense stands for praise. It is customary at the earthly table to give thanks before we eat. The Tabernacle order is first the shewbread, and then the praise. Oh, that men would praise the Lord for His wonderful gifts to the children of men! Praise Him for all that He is to us; praise Him, for He is, Himself, the Living Bread.

3. The altar of incense stands for worship. Worship includes both prayer and praise, but it goes beyond.

Were there not ten lepers cleansed, but where were the nine? The one alone fell down before Him in worshipful praise.

The women took Christ by the feet and worshiped Him. We, who have eaten of the Bread, should be numbered among those who worship Him.

There is a time coming when innumerable multitudes will fall before the Lord in adoration and Divine acclaim; those who on earth sang:–

"Oh, that with yonder sacred throng,

We at His feet may fall,

We'll join the everlasting song,

And crown Him Lord of all."

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR