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.
Exodus 30 reminds me that worship is all about our hearts. worship is important to our Father God.
Father I see Father God focusing on the heart and what’s behind everything we do and say.
In this chapter, God gives Moses specific instructions about the Tabernacle, including the altar of incense, the anointing oil, and the washing basin. While these elements may seem like rituals or rules, they point to something deeper
”God cares about our hearts, that we want to get to know Him and we seek Him with our whole hearts!
That we want to live a life with Him. He loves us, and that we love Him in return.
Worship is about pleasing God in everything we do. When we work, speak, or serve with an awareness of God’s s presence, it transforms the ordinary into something scared just like the incense rising as a sweet aroma to God that’s what I feel.
Today, whatever you are doing. ”whether working, caring for others, praying with them or for them, even while doing chores. when you talk to God and include Him in it, it blesses His heart, He really loves it when you consider His feelings.
Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:23,24 whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
This means our everyday actions are an act of worship. It’s all about our attitude. Whether were showing kindness, praying for others, or helping someone see the truth to be set free from bondage, it all pleases Father God loves it when it’s done with Him and for Him.
Exodus 30 also reminds us of God’s presence. For the Israelites, God’s presence was experienced through the Tabernacle. Today, through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, God’s presence is with us always and He lives inside our hearts.
When we live with an awareness of His presence, everything we do becomes an opportunity to honor Him. It’s not just about doing things for God but doing them with God.
In the Tabernacle, the incense symbolized the prayers of the people rising to God. God cares deeply about what is going on with people and what’s on our hearts, especially when it comes to the people we love and the ones He placed in our lives to pray for and help, even those who may be difficult. As Exodus 28:12 and 28 teach us, we are called to intercede for others, to carry them in prayer, and to ask God how we can help lighten their burdens. Salvation is always the first priority, so we should ask God what we can do to not only pray for the lost but also take action as He leads.
Prayer is a privilege. God hears us, knows our needs, and delights in our prayers. It’s all about our hearts and learning what God cares about.
When we live for Christ, our lives are a pleasing aroma to God, like a sweet fragrance rising to Him. Thats what worship is, living every moment with Him and for Him.
And lifting up others to Him!
Everyone needs help in some way!
This year, I encourage you to get a journal
a special book that’s just for you and God.
Write your goals, prayers, and what He puts on your heart.
For me, its the book of Heidi
where I write to God
At the end of the year, you’ll look back and see all the wonderful things you have experienced with Father God.
Everyone has their own book just like in the Bible
Everyone was inspired by Our Father God.
For us we get to learn from them what to do and what not to do. We see goals, visions, praying for people, we see Jesus interceding for us! Ty Jesus ❤️
That’s a big blessing for us for sure! Ty Father God!
so get started and let this year be filled with moments and memories of worship, prayer, and walking closely with Him.
This week in Exodus chapter 30 I got a song
Chosen
Let’s come together to worship our Lord. Let’s come together to worship our Lord praising and singing we are chosen. We are chosen. We are chosen by the Lord, so let’s come together Serving our Lord let’s come together, Serving, our Lord being his light showing the truth and his ways our Lord has a perfect plan. Our Lord has a perfect plan for you and me his spirit lives in us. He never leaves us. We are the temple of our Lord the temple of our Lord amen.
Our Lord has a perfect plan for you and me. Let’s listen and obey and serve with a loving heart. Amen.
Exodus Chapter 30 (Overall)
~Things That Say Holy… Holy To God and Holy To Us~
~The Importance Of Prayer~
God Is Saying To Me:
I reside in you. You now are part of my Priesthood. I desire to dwell with you and my people. I want to communicate with you by the Holy Spirit and prayer. You must approach me with a heart of worship and Holiness.
What This Means To Me:
1. The symbolism of the altar of incense is to offer a ‘sweet aroma’ to Him through prayer.
2. The altar of incense shall be lit twice a day. As Christians. We should at least offer prayer twice a day and much more.
3. In the Old Testament, Aaron is instructed to offer yearly prayer for atonement of sin for the nation of Israel. We too offer prayer and intercede on behalf of our nation and its people.
4. Aaron took a census count of all the people. We must pray for. Love to all of his people as well.
5. The Laver was used to wash the hands and feet of God’s servants. We must also approach God with a clean and pure heart.
6. The anointing oil was used for consecrating and for Holiness. We allow our Holy Spirit to guide and anoint us to pray for His will to be done and not our will.
7. Through the specific requirements for the burning of incense, we must be encouraged to pray to Father God in the correct way.
Exodus Chapter 30 Verse 30
And you shall anoint Aaron and his sons and sanctify (separate) them, that they may Minister to Me as priest.
Exodus Chapter 30 Verse 31
And say to the Israelites, this is a holy anointing oil {symbol of the Holy Spirit}, sacred to Me alone throughout your generations.
Exodus Chapter 30 Verse 32
It shall not be poured upon a layman’s body, nor shall you make any other like it in composition; it is holy, and you shall hold its sacred.
~How To Understand Worship~
God Is Saying To Me:
I have ordained Moses on his spiritual journey. I gave him the Commandments and the guidelines so he and his descendants know how to worship me. It’s very important that you know how to worship me too.
What This Means To Me:
1. Father God’s encampment is special because the Tabernacle is in the center. God wants to be in the center of our life as well. God wants this large structure in our lives to worship and know Him through Jesus, our high priest.
2. The Altar of Incense has a sweet smelling aroma. Our prayers are sweet smelling aroma to Father God.
3. The Bronze Basin for washing was to physically and symbolically represent the cleansing process that must take place before the priest could begin the sacrifices or enter the Most Holy Place. Today, Jesus Christ is who cleanses us to come freely before the Lord.
4. The Census Tax represents that God wants us all to be on a level playing ground. Everyone is taxed the same indicating that God desires to set us all apart for His good pleasure. We are all equal and there is no distinction on wealthy or poor but rather, we all are free to enter into God’s presence and receive consecration.
5. The Anointing Oil was sacred just like the incense. The oil was placed on the head of their priest and their descendants to make Holy and set apart before the Lord. The anointing of the Holy Spirit when we give our life to Jesus sets us apart and makes us a Holy Priest too.
6. God desires to consecrate His people then and now by setting them and us apart as ministers, sons and daughters and Priests throughout all generations!
Ever stop and think about just how amazing God truly is? He is the Creator of everything—every star, every mountain, every heartbeat. Without Him, we’d have nothing. Truly, without His sustaining power, everything would fall apart.
The incredible thing is how little He asks of us in comparison to what He does. He handles the big stuff, the impossible stuff, and He does it perfectly. He’s not just a good Father—He’s the best Father.
Out of love and gratitude, I want to do my part well, however small it may seem. I know I can never repay Him, and the beautiful thing is, He never expected me to. With God, it’s all grace, and it’s all good.
1. We can’t atone for ourselves or ever be “good enough” for God. When we come to God, He makes us good—not by anything we’ve done, but because of what Jesus has done for us.
2. God handles the big things, and even the tiny details. He steps in where we are powerless. What we can’t do on our own, He does for us out of His abundant love and wisdom.
3. God provides everything we need to worship Him truly. He invites us to worship Him in the way He desires. Through Jesus, we have direct access to the Father by the Holy Spirit. It’s in that relationship that we receive everything we need from God.
What an incredible God we serve!