His name is higher than any other. His name is Jesus. His name is Lord.
The altar of incense was the HIGHEST piece of furniture in the Holy Place in the tabernacle.
1. As the highest piece of furniture in the Holy Place it represents the HIGH PRIORITY we must give to worship and intercessory prayer. Christ’s ministry of intercession is now His highest and most important ministry on behalf of the church (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; 9:24; and 1 John 2:1). Therefore it should also be the highest ministry of the church, not the least attended service. We see the lack of spirituality in the modern-day church by its lack of attendance to worship and intercession.
All I can say is that if it’s good enough for Jesus, our high priest, to make prayer and intercession His No. 1 priority, should it not be the same for His body?
I believe this is the main reason the church is weak in all aspects of its life, including marriage and family. Fatherhood and motherhood in the modern-day church are barely different from that of the world.
2. As the highest piece of furniture in the Holy Place it represents the HEIGHTS to which worship and intercession can take us. We become “the mounting up people.”
Isaiah 40:31 says: “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall MOUNT UP with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
Paul reminded the Ephesians Christians that they are RAISED UP together with Christ and to experience all the blessings of this truth. Ephesians 2:6 says: “And hath RAISED US UP together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” If we do not live our lives at this high altar of prayer and worship, how can we possibly know the things that are ours in the heights?
Colossians 3:1, 2: “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are ABOVE, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things ABOVE, not on things on the earth.” It is only at this high altar of prayer and intercession, coupled with praise and worship, that we enter into the high heavenly blessings.
To be continued.
Be encouraged.
Colin Campbell