Exodus 30:34-35 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha and galbanum—and pure frankincense, all in equal amounts, and make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer. It is to be salted and pure and sacred.
Commentary pointed out this morning that sacrifice and atonement were bloody, smelly businesses, so the fragrant spices discussed in this chapter had a very practical application at that time. I’m thankful that talking to God isn’t as arduous (and smelly) with Jesus in the mix.
Exodus 30:36 Grind some of it to powder and place it in front of the ark of the covenant law in the tent of meeting, where I will meet with you. It shall be most holy to you.
I have a friend who says “The best cup of coffee is the one you enjoy.” I feel like that saying applies to prayer time as well. Incense, candles, quiet? Great! Coffee, recliner, computer? Have at it. The best quiet time with God is the one you enjoy (and the one that leads you to spend time in His presence).
Exodus 30:37 Do not make any incense with this formula for yourselves; consider it holy to the Lord.
Precious Savior, Thank You for removing the priests and the many, many types of sacrifices that existed between humans and God. Thank You that we can talk with You at any time, in any place, that we can come to You always–with our successes, our failures, our hurts. Thank You that You are with us always. Amen.
Exodus 30:38 Whoever makes incense like it to enjoy its fragrance must be cut off from their people.”
Have a blessed day.