Thoughts on the readings for February 19th (Exodus 30, Psalms 87, 88, Mark 15, 16)

Exodus 30 tells us of the altar of incense. Its dimensions and the materials of which it was made. Verses 1-10 tells us that it was a box made of acacia wood overlaid with gold. Around the top of the golden box was a crown of gold. Identical language is used for the protective parapet that was on the roof of every Jewish house – indicating that like the altar of incense the house was dedicated to prayer. The compounded incense was to be burnt to smoke. The fragrant incense described at the end of the chapter. The location of the incense altar was against the veil of the Most Holy Place. This tells us that prayer is essential for the believer to enter the presence of God (Psalm 141 verse 2; Revelation 8 verse 3). The writer to the Hebrews and the writer of the Kings both tell us that the altar’s proximity to the Most Holy spoke of its function; and its place of belonging. Verses 11-16 describe the census tax to be paid by every redeemed Israelite – half a shekel of silver. The vital lesson stated that the poor shall not give less; nor the rich were not to give more. We are equal in the sight of the LORD; and wealth is neither a help, nor an impediment. All people equally need Yahweh’s redemption. Verses 17-21 describe the bronze laver, signifying the need of baptism – or the cleansing from sin – of would be worshippers of the Almighty. The 22nd to the 38th verses speak of the fabrication of the anointing oil and the incense. That oil was to only be used in the anointing to his office of a prophet, priest, or king. And the incense oil was for offering exclusively upon the altar of incense. This tells us that the Father has laid down the conditions for acceptable worship. The penalty for disobedience was death.cont reading...

https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-readings-for-february-19th-exodus-30-psalms-87-88-mark-15-16/