Intensity, Religion and Great Mystery

In my slow rerun through Exodus, it now seems that I read with assignment and purpose as never before, so as to uncover the rich and ancient overlays both of manmade religion, as well as the in-depth foreshadowing of the very attributes of the Christ.

I am more than ever awed by the sense of mystery revealed, the correlations between religious practice and the life of Christ, as well as the eventual contrast with his character when rigid practice only becomes the norm.

From a fundamentalist perspective all the intensity and rigor of these early tabernacle rituals are seen as commanded of God. Yet, with Jesus, the source of very things he criticized, such as a rigid obedience to the law which wrought no real shift in one's intent toward others, in such areas of mercy, justice and personal humility.

"Whitened sepulchers" his words of rebuke!

Yet, when one reads passages such as Exodus 30: 7-10, each well guarded practice seems to foreshadow precious attributes and promises of the Christ.

[7] “Aaron must burn fragrant incense on the altar every morning when he tends the lamps. [8] He must burn incense again when he lights the lamps at twilight so incense will burn regularly before the Lord for the generations to come. [9] Do not offer on this altar any other incense or any burnt offering or grain offering, and do not pour a drink offering on it. [10] Once a year Aaron shall make atonement on its horns. This annual atonement must be made with the blood of the atoning sin offering for the generations to come. It is most holy to the Lord.”

Exodus 30:7-10 NIV

Aaron as the high priest, was instructed to burn incense on the altar of incense every morning and evening as part of the priestly duties in the Tabernacle.

This ritual symbolized:

1. Prayer and Intercession: The rising incense represented prayers ascending to God (Psalm 141:2: "Let my prayer be counted as incense before you").

2. Continuous Worship: Burning incense morning and evening demonstrated ongoing, daily dedication to God.

3. Holiness and Purity: The specific incense blend was holy, and its burning was an act of sanctification within the Tabernacle.

Then annually, an atoning sacrifice, one for which Jesus is best known. His blood an atoning death, paying the perceived price, once and forever for mankind's sinfulness.

Perhaps the Old Testament's true purpose is to fully demonstrate our tendencies more toward religion, rather than true transformation.

Somehow by way of divine inspiration, these words mysteriously capture both a sense of demand, as well as a foundation upon which we could come to know the compelling love of our Creator.

One day at just the right moment an innocent baby was born, God become flesh, then willingly fulfilled every "jot and tittle" of these ancient and well-intentioned rituals.

Perhaps all these intense acts of "worship" were a necessity, a "schoolmaster" to walk us out of our broken tendencies toward a fear driven idolatry.

Now by way of the Spirit, the "Living Word" we might come to know that regardless of our shortcomings, our maltreatment of each other and the amazing "garden" in which we live, new mercies are granted with each new day, our lives secured by an awesome and ancient Presence that dwells among the galaxies!

May you too discover the hope layered within these intense chapters of long preserved holy writ, along with the freedom and grace to become all that the Christ has intended for you as an holy priesthood.