Hebrews 9:6

Hebrews 9:6

Our daily visit to the Holy Place

This verse rather blandly summarises all of the daily routines of the priesthood of Israel as these god-fearing men came and went from the Tabernacle. Remember that this Tent was first constructed whilst the Israelites were nomads, and for many years it was taken down and re-erected as they moved from place to place. After a few hiccups, the sacred building only came to rest more permanently once the people had arrived in the Promised Land and they found a safe and secure home in Shiloh. Later, David would have it re-established on Zion in preparation for the construction of the Temple, under Solomon. Wherever the Ark of the Covenant went and all the furniture associated with it, the daily routines would take place, and the ordained priesthood would go daily in and out of the Holy Place. Fragrant incense was burned on the Golden Altar, and prayers were offered to the Lord God. At evening the seven lamps on the Menorah were maintained so that they burned throughout the night. Once a week the Table of Shewbread would be attended to and new loaves were presented.

These routines do help us to see that the Lord God is not dismissive of daily procedures and habits, which is why it is important for us to establish a practice of making our own visits to the Holy Place. We too, as we have seen, are priests worshipping and serving this same God and our first responsibility and privilege is to come before Him on a daily basis. We need to offer our prayers at the Altar of Incense, to ensure that the light of His Holy Spirit burns brightly within us and also to break bread with Him at least once per week. That is all part of our ministry as priests of the living God. Many people call this their “Quiet Time”, it is actually our holy and priestly time with the Lord although He doesn’t fuss over its name. The moments we spend, daily, in the Holy Place are sanctified and they are the most important in any day. Let’s not underestimate them. 

 

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