In Exodus 25:23-30 we read how Almighty God instructed the Israelites to build a beautiful acacia table, overlaid with gold, to place dishes for incense and bowls for drink offerings on it. Then God said, “And you shall set the bread of the Presence on the table before Me regularly.”
In Leviticus 24:5 this bread is described as 12 loaves which were replaced every Sabbath. The bread represented God’s PRESENCE AND PROVISION. God delights to bless us with His presence and provision. The 12 loaves represented the 12 tribes of Israel. There was enough bread for all 12 tribes, just like Jesus has enough supply for all our needs. The loaves were frequently made anew, demonstrating God’s CONTINUAL REFRESHMENT for Israel just like our Lord desires to refresh us daily with His sweet presence.
In John 6:35 “Jesus said to them, “I am the Bread of Life; whoever comes to Me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in Me shall never thirst.” When we “feed” on the Bread of heaven, we shall never be spiritually hungry. We shall be revived as God provides for us. Every breath we take and every move we make, happens under the watchful eye of God.
In Matt. 6:11, where Jesus teaches us how to pray, He tells us to ask Abba Father for our daily Bread. Our prayers and reading the Word help us to remember the Source of our provision. Physical and spiritual Bread are gifts from God which nourish our bodies, souls, and spirits.
The incense in the dishes represent God’s fragrance. When we fulfil Christ’s purpose which HE plans us for, we become a pleasing aroma, a fragrant offering to the Lord and others. Jesus became a living sacrifice. In John 6:51 Jesus said, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
The pure gold that overlaid this special table signifies purity. Christ desires that we strive to live pure and holy lives. In Lev. 11:44, God said – “I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.” Our Lord requires that we strive towards holiness and purity. The NLT of 2 Cor. 6:6 states – “We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love.”
Precious Holy Father God, please help us to remember that You provide for all our needs when we come to you in sincere and holy prayers. Thank You taking care of us physically, mentally, and spiritually. Help us to be aware of Your sweet presence, to rest in it and in Your love. Thank You for your Word which replenishes us. In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.
Myrtle Turunen