<aside> <img src="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/49de0235-e8bc-4eca-bf20-2a9d6d267a02/1843d87b-8d88-414f-a2ed-e1c1873dade3/IMAGE_2024-02-23_213637.jpg" alt="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/49de0235-e8bc-4eca-bf20-2a9d6d267a02/1843d87b-8d88-414f-a2ed-e1c1873dade3/IMAGE_2024-02-23_213637.jpg" width="40px" /> “You shall also set the altar of gold for the incense (each has an ”interpretation” see 1 Cor 14:26. also Gabriel at the altar before Zechariah in Luke 1:10-11) before the ark of the Testimony, and put up the screen for the door of the tabernacle” (see Exodus 40:5)
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The altar of incense in the tabernacle of Moses, as described in Exodus 40, serves as a profound symbol in the scriptural narrative. As written in Exodus 30:1, "You shall make an altar to burn incense on; you shall make it of acacia wood." Its use in the tabernacle was central to how the Israelites worshipped God, with specific instructions given in Exodus 30:7-8: "Aaron shall burn sweet incense on it every morning; when he tends the lamps, he shall burn incense on it. And when Aaron lights the lamps at twilight, he shall burn incense on it." This burning of incense created a pleasing aroma that symbolized the prayers of God's people ascending to heaven, as reflected in Psalm 141:2: "Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice."
In the New Testament, particularly in 1 Corinthians 14:26, Paul the Apostle provides guidance for church worship: "How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification." This comprehensive approach to worship emphasizes that everything should strengthen the church. The various elements - hymns, teaching, prophecy, and tongues - must be interpreted for the congregation's edification, as Paul further explains in 1 Corinthians 14:12: "Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel."
The "genius of the deaconiea" who executes with perfection mirrors the precise care required at the altar of incense. This parallel becomes even more meaningful when we consider Revelation 8:3-4: "Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand." Just as the altar of incense facilitated the prayers of God's people, the deaconiea facilitate worship through excellence in service. This is reinforced by Romans 12:1: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." Their dedication reflects 1 Peter 4:10-11: "As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God... that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ." Their role transcends mere administrative efficiency - it creates a sacred space where the church's worship, like spiritual incense, rises as a pleasing offering to God.
<aside> <img src="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/49de0235-e8bc-4eca-bf20-2a9d6d267a02/623a720c-7c6b-4afe-ad94-8fe3ceee31fe/IMAGE_2024-02-23_213637.jpg" alt="https://prod-files-secure.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/49de0235-e8bc-4eca-bf20-2a9d6d267a02/623a720c-7c6b-4afe-ad94-8fe3ceee31fe/IMAGE_2024-02-23_213637.jpg" width="40px" /> (6.) INCENSE - prophetic significance - serve - specialist craftsman, artisanal; As written in Exodus 30:7-8: "Aaron shall burn fragrant incense on it. Every morning when he dresses the lamps he shall burn it, and when Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he shall burn it, a regular incense offering before the LORD throughout your generations."
A fire is kindled in the holy place to be tended according to a relentless schedule, by day and by night, all year round, reflecting Leviticus 6:13: "The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out." This perpetual fire and fragrance, to be kept burning from the beginning of the year until the end, symbolizes our continuous devotion to God.
It is at this altar that forecasts the execution of the known will of God, as described in Revelation 8:3-4: "Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God's people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God's people, went up before God from the angel's hand."
The implementation of the plan, script and score has already been pre-determined in the counsels of the Most High, as stated in Isaiah 46:10: "I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'"
The fullness of this altar will not be seen until by the finger of God, the kingdom is established through the healing miracles of messiah Jesus who establishes the new covenant in his blood, as prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31: "The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah."
Likewise, this deaconic genius brings about the fulfilment of the wishes and intents of heaven through an ever-increasing glory, as described in 2 Corinthians 3:18: "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." Every soul is ordained for greatness and every community can bless God and flourish, fulfilling Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
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Redeeming the deaconic genius (DEA, serve) - The divine gift of executing plans with excellence, as written in Colossians 3:23-24: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, knowing that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward." This natural ability finds joy in perfecting plans with artisanal precision, creating experiences that inspire and transform.
"The drive and urge to get the job done, to carry out the instructions or the command of another or others. As Daniel demonstrated in Daniel 6:4: 'Daniel distinguished himself... because he had an exceptional attitude.' Individuals will ensure full and complete execution of the task and meet the expressed need, even at the cost of much personal sacrifice" (Samuel / Moen)
The deaconic genius, characterized by a natural ability to shape and perfect a plan to perfection, reflects the principle found in 1 Chronicles 28:19: "All this," David said, "I have in writing as a result of the LORD's hand on me, and he enabled me to understand all the details of the plan." This meticulous attention to detail in worship, as seen in the burning of incense, creates a pleasing aroma that symbolizes the prayers of God's people ascending to heaven (Revelation 8:4).
In the context of the deaconic genius, the altar of incense exemplifies Psalm 141:2: "May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice." The deaconiea facilitate worship by ensuring excellence in service, as commanded in 1 Peter 4:10: "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."
The ethos of obedience in the Christian faith is beautifully captured in 1 Samuel 15:22: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams." This submission to God's will is exemplified in baptism, which Paul describes in Romans 6:4: "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
This act of obedience echoes Moses' encounter at the burning bush (Exodus 3:5): "Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." It represents our response to God's grace, as Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-9: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
The 'incense' of obedience becomes what Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 2:15: "For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." This spiritual offering reflects Ephesians 5:2: "Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
