THURSDAY
This devotional is adapted from David Habrat’s sermon on Sunday June 29. Sorry, there is no audio version of the devotional this week. The Temple: Jesus the Truth
As we approach the door of the Holy Place, we encounter Jesus as the Truth. The Holy Spirit's gentle revelation of truth and His quickening of our hearts is one of His most beautiful ministries. This is how we grow in our faith journey - the Spirit reveals truth to us, moves our hearts to respond, and when we act on it, that simple step of obedience is faith in action.
Jesus Our Satisfaction: The Table of Showbread
Once inside the Holy Place, we first encounter the Table of Showbread, representing Jesus as our complete satisfaction. "Take and eat. This is my body, broken for you." These words echo through time, reminding us that Jesus is the Bread of Life who satisfies our deepest hunger.
The bread of the presence was sprinkled with frankincense. It created a beautiful aroma yet was bitter to taste. This paradox mirrors our faith journey - there is sweetness in following Christ, yet sometimes we taste the bitterness of suffering for His name. As 1 Peter 4:14 reminds us: "If you are reproached for the name of Christ, happy are you, for the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you."
Some of us may be called to know Christ in His suffering. If you are, know that His heart breaks for His sheep, and when we experience reproach for our faith, we can take comfort knowing that even suffering turns to glory in His presence.
If you find yourself in a place of need today, unable to move forward, remember you are in a safe space among this body of believers. Share your burden with a pastor or elder - there is no condemnation for those who come in Jesus' name.
Jesus Our Revelation: The Lampstand
The second element we encounter is the Lampstand, representing Jesus as our Revelation. Here, divine light shines continuously, illuminated by the oil that symbolizes the Holy Spirit. In this sacred space, God speaks to us face to face. Our own agendas fade away as His heart becomes known to us.
Do you yearn for a word from God today? Go in to Him. Sit by His lamp and allow Jesus to be a light to your path. In His presence, confusion gives way to clarity, and darkness yields to light.
Jesus Our Intercessor: The Table of Incense
Finally, we approach the Table of Incense - the place of prayer and worship. Because we have come by way of the cross and have been washed by the Word, we can now lift holy hands to God without hesitation.
King David understood this privilege when he declared in Psalm 63:3, "Because Your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You... I will lift up my hands in Your name." And Psalm 96:9 urges us to "Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth. Say among the nations, 'The Lord reigns!'"
Here at the Table of Incense, our prayers rise like sweet fragrance before God. Here Jesus strengthens us and hears our every whispered petition. Here we can honestly pray, "Lord Jesus, I believe; help my unbelief."
Today's Reflection
As you go about your day, consider which aspect of Jesus revealed in the Holy Place speaks most to your current needs:
- Do you need satisfaction that only the Bread of Life can provide?
- Are you seeking revelation and guidance for a difficult situation?
- Or perhaps you simply need to pour out your heart in prayer, knowing He hears and understands?
Whatever your need, Jesus meets you there - as Truth, as Satisfaction, as Revelation, and as the One who receives your prayers. Enter boldly into His presence today.
"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." - 1 Peter 2:9