Day 7 – Altar of incense
Study Luke 1:11-20
“Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.” Luke 1:11
“Don’t be afraid” are the words Luke recorded, which broke the Intertestamental Period from Heaven – no biblical prophets spoke or wrote during this time; it is also widely known as the 400 Silent Years. And instead of giving a great prophetic message for the nation, the angel brought a promise in response to the prayers of Zechariah and Elizabeth. They will have a son. Luke mentions they had been barren, and through the answer from heaven, it is clear they would’ve been in persistent prayer for a child.
John’s name in Hebrew is 𝘠𝘰𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘯, meaning “the Lord is gracious.” It gives us a beautiful picture that God’s grace wasn’t only the foreword to Jesus, but also a reminder that God’s grace through Jesus goes before us, too.
Luke makes specific mention of exactly where the angel appeared – on the right side of the altar of incense. It is highly specific and filled with symbolic meaning. The right side is always the side of favour, and according to the Temple instructions given in Exodus, the altar of incense is placed directly before the veiled entrance to the Holy of Holies. This is a beautiful symbol of Jesus Christ’s constant intercession for us before God’s throne, serving as an Advocate standing before the Judge, pleading for us. It was atoned for once a year with the blood of the sacrifice; now, Jesus’ blood is applied to the altar of our hearts, making our lives acceptable and pleasing to the Lord.
The altar of incense represents the prayers of the nation and was made of acacia wood. This wood is a natural insect repellent, so it would not be eaten away over time, and acacia trees thrive in the harsh desert climate – which speaks volumes about our prayers. Though we may find ourselves in desert situations, our prayers should thrive.
Pray with me: Father, thank You for the beautiful detail Luke provides from Gabriel’s appearance and the symbolic meaning of it. Father, give us the strength to persevere in our prayers, and may they be a sweet-smelling fragrance to You. Thank You, Jesus, for being our Advocate and Intercessor before the throne and for atoning for all sin. Amen. ©
Love, Pastor Iriza
