Consider It Sacred
Read This Week: Genesis 30
Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them so they may serve me as priests. Say to the Israelites, ‘This is to be my sacred anointing oil for the generations to come. Do not pour it on anyone else’s body and do not make any other oil using the same formula. It is sacred, and you are to consider it sacred. Exodus 30:30-32 NIV
The first section of Exodus 30 describes the construction of the incense altar. This small, golden altar was in the holy place before the veil separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. The instructions assert that the altar should be made of acacia wood overlaid with gold and used exclusively for burning incense, morning and evening (v. 7-8). The primary function of this altar was to offer a sweet-smelling aroma before God, symbolizing the prayers of the people rising up to Him. In the temple, incense was seen as an offering of worship, expressing the people’s devotion and need for God’s presence.
The altar of incense points to an essential truth: prayer is not just an activity but an offering. Burning incense symbolized the people’s hearts drawing near to God. In Psalm 141:2, David says, “Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” Much like the burning incense, prayer is a constant and sacred act. For us, this teaches us the importance of maintaining a posture of prayer and devotion throughout our lives. Just as the priests were instructed to offer incense morning and evening, we are called to constantly communicate with God, whether in times of joy or sorrow. Regular, heartfelt prayer is an offering that God delights in.
Verses 11-16 introduce the concept of atonement money. Every Israelite, 20 years or older, was required to give a half-shekel as a form of payment for their life when they were counted in a census (v. 12). This money was collected to maintain the Tabernacle and support the work of the priests. The half-shekel served not only as a practical means of funding the sacrificial system but also as a symbolic act of atonement. It reminded the people that their lives were not their own; they were under the protection and care of God. Through this act, they acknowledged their need for redemption and God’s grace in keeping them from destruction.
The atonement money foreshadows the ultimate salvation that comes through Jesus Christ. Just as the Israelites had to pay a ransom for their lives, we understand that the eternal ransom was paid through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross (Matthew 20:28, 1 Peter 1:18-19). The price of atonement was costly, but it was also graciously provided. In a practical sense, this passage also speaks to giving in worship. The act of giving the half-shekel was not just about the monetary contribution but about recognizing God’s sovereignty over every area of life. As believers, we are reminded that all we have belongs to God, and our giving reflects our trust in Him as our provider and redeemer.
Lastly, it is important to highlight the details of the sacred anointing oil used to consecrate the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests. The oil was made with specific ingredients, including myrrh, cinnamon, and cassia, mixed with olive oil. It was to be applied only in the context of consecrating the holy objects and persons of the sanctuary. Anyone who made or used this oil for personal use was to be cut off from the people (v. 32-33).
The anointing oil represents the presence and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. In the New Testament, we see how the Holy Spirit is given to believers to equip them for service and to set them apart for God’s purposes (Acts 1:8, 2 Corinthians 1:21-22). Like the anointing oil, the Holy Spirit sanctifies and empowers us to live holy lives, just as the objects and priests in the Tabernacle were set apart for sacred use. This passage also teaches the uniqueness and sacredness of God’s calling. Just as the oil was not to be used casually or for personal gain, neither should the gifts and empowerment of the Holy Spirit be taken lightly or misused. As believers, we are called to live in a way that reflects our devotion to God, His purposes, and His mission.
As we reflect on these elements this week, we should approach God with purity, humility, and reverence. We should consider our lives sacred and lead lives of prayer, repentance, and devotion, recognizing that we have been bought with a price and set apart for God’s purposes. Just as the Israelites were called to honor God with their worship and their lives, we, too, are called to offer our hearts, our time, and our resources as holy sacrifices to the One who has redeemed us.