Entering the Holy Place
A sudden change in temperature is felt as you pass under the linen door into the holy place. The contrast from the outside world is immediate. The bustle of the camp is silenced, as if stepping away from a dream and entering another place far removed from what was.
On your right hand stands a table, its features illuminated by the lamp on the opposite side. Upon it rests twelve loaves of bread. The smell of freshly baked bread fills the room, newly replaced according to the appointed time. Mingled with it is the fragrance of incense spreading quietly into every corner of the holy place.
Aaron and his sons stand near the table, partaking of the replaced loaves before the Lord. For them it is a most holy portion before the Lord God (Leviticus 24:5–9).
The Holy Portion
This table of pure gold bears twelve loaves arranged in two rows, each made from the same measure of flour. An uncommon table, made of pure gold, resonates with the expectation of something spectacular.
We see in Matthew 23:16–20 that it is the altar that makes sacred what is given upon it, and the temple that makes sacred the gold within it. In the same way, the table sanctifies the bread placed upon it.
This bread, after being displayed before the Lord in this holy place, is then given to those set apart for holy service. Surrounded not by the busyness of the camps outside, but by reverent peace and separation unto God, they partake together before Him.
Christ the True Bread
Jesus Christ explained that this holy portion, given freely and with joy, ultimately points to Himself (John 6:33–35). We are invited to come to Him, to partake in Him, and to enjoy communion with Him.
We are welcomed into a feast where we behold the wonders of who Jesus Christ is. Not merely hearing of Him by reputation, but seeing His words, His works, His mercy, and His character revealed before us.
Where the priests once shared the loaves before God, we now share in Christ Himself. In Him we enter fellowship, and in Him we find the bread that truly satisfies. He is our life, and from Him we also live. May this sustain us with joy as we walk before Him.
Feeding on the Word
Imagine being weary from a long journey and sitting down at a table where a rich meal has already been prepared. Dish after dish is placed before you, and the host gladly invites you to eat.
To refuse such a meal because it still requires you to cut, chew, and eat would miss the generosity of what has already been prepared. Such a complaint would miss the generosity of what has already been prepared. The meal is there before you. The invitation has already been given.
We have been given an incredible opportunity to delve deeply into the word of God. Many generations longed for what we so easily neglect. Today we possess translations, study tools, access to original languages, and generations of faithful labour preserved for us.
This should drive us with excitement toward the scriptures. Be filled with the word. Be saturated in it. Let the scriptures dwell richly within you so that when trials, questions, fears, or responsibilities arise, the Holy Spirit may bring to remembrance what has already been planted deeply within your heart.
Delve into the scriptures and submerge yourself in them. Chew upon them and enjoy them. Gazing upon Jesus Christ as He is revealed in scripture, we behold His character and are transformed gradually into His likeness.
Labouring in the Word
We have been given a portion in Christ. Let us therefore direct our attention joyfully toward this honour. Let us take the scriptures and feed upon them.
Sometimes we wash broadly through the scriptures, reading large portions at a time. At other times we slow ourselves carefully before a single verse, resting there and turning it over repeatedly within our minds.
Like dough that must be kneaded and worked patiently before it is baked, the word often requires careful attention and meditation. There is joy even in the labour itself.
Just as a person prepares fresh bread carefully from the beginning, knowing what has gone into it, so we should labour faithfully within the word before the Lord and alongside one another.
Meditation and Transformation
With fresh bread in your mouth and its taste spreading across your senses, you begin to chew. The bread is broken down and prepared to strengthen the body for the work that lies ahead.
In the same way, let the word dwell continually within your thoughts. Meditate upon it. Return to it throughout the day. Allow it to shape your thinking, your desires, and your walk.
Scripture is profitable for teaching, correction, instruction, and growth (2 Timothy 3:16). Break it down carefully. Chew upon it slowly. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your steps through the truth that has taken root within you.
Daily Bread and Spiritual Hunger
A drop of colouring released into a small glass of water slowly spreads until the entire glass bears its influence. Yet the same drop disappears almost unnoticed in the ocean.
The hearts and minds of people are deep and constantly shaped by something.. The question is not whether we are being shaped, but by what.
Love for the Lord and a desire for communion with Him should continually draw us back toward His word. Not merely from obligation, but from hunger. Not merely from discipline, but from fellowship.
This is labour born from love — the longing to know our Lord more deeply.
Remaining Before Him
As the priests leave the holy place, the bread still remains upon the table before the Lord. Yet the portion they have already received continues with them beyond that moment.
The strength from that meal carries into their labour, their service, their fellowship, and the ordinary moments of daily life. The communion they shared before God overflows into how they walk among others.
We do not approach scripture merely to complete a task or satisfy a requirement. We return because we love the One who has welcomed us near.
In this way we walk after our Lord Jesus Christ — kicking up the same dust, serving with the same hands, and learning to love as He loved. Then, as the day comes to an end and we place our heads down to rest, we prepare ourselves to continue walking with Him again tomorrow.