Incense alone, as God had ordered composition,... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Ye shall offer no strange incense thereon, nor burnt sacrifice, nor meat offering; neither shall ye pour drink offering thereon.
Exodus 30:9

Incense alone, as God had ordered composition, was to be offered on the golden altar of incense They, too, are types of the Lord Jesus, appointed for the altar of burnt offering in the forecourt. This distinction is important, otherwise we stand as sinners before the cross, as it were, when we are gathered for worship, instead of entering the holy place "through the veil" (Hebrews 10:20). Christians who have not yet recognised the unique and efficacious character of Christ's atoning sacrifice are still, so to speak "at the cross" instead of "in the sanctuary". They are as yet not fully aware of the joy of being brought to God through the work of Christ and thus cannot take up their priestly service.
Finally, no "strange fire" was to be brought, but only that which came from the LORD (cf. Leviticus 9:24;10:1). The significance of this is that we can worship only through the Spirit of God. Our natural zeal and feelings are in this sense "strange fire".
Fire and incense must correspond to God's commandments to be acceptable. This also applies to our worship. Visible or audible means may appeal to us and call forth noble sentiments; they do not, however, bring forth worship that is pleasing to God.
(adapted from J.G. Bellett)
Today's reading: Acts 25