Feb 9 (Daily reading: Exodus 30-32) Today I emphasize the importance of the word “daily” in our relationship to God. We have talked about the sacrifice of atonement offered by the high priest once a year. But we read yesterday that God required the sacrifice of two lambs, “each day, continuously … It shall be a continual burnt offering … where I will meet with you, to speak to you there” (Ex. 29:38, 42).
God also prescribed the building of a specific altar: “Aaron shall burn fragrant incense on it; he shall burn it every morning … (and) at twilight” (30:7-8). God also gave instructions to build a bronze basin: “When they (Aaron and his sons) enter the tent of meeting, they shall wash with water … when they approach the altar to minister” (30:20). After that, God gave a recipe for a holy anointing oil: “And you shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, so that they may serve as priests to Me” (30:30).
What can we say about the “daily” sacrifices; the burning of incense “every morning and at twilight;” the washing “every time” they approached the altar to minister; and the anointing of the priests? Even though you possess eternal life because your sins are forgiven, you must meet with God daily, so that God can “speak to you there.” The washing symbolizes cleansing through confession; we confess our sins daily “so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn. 1:9). This ensures that our fellowship with God will not be broken. The oil represents the Holy Spirit; as God’s priests, we have been anointed with the Holy Spirit and we are thereby consecrated for His service. “And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him remains in you” (1 Jn. 2:27).
“Give us this day our daily bread” (Mt. 6:11). “They searched the scriptures daily” (Ac. 17:11).
-Al Gary
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