by Ester yusufu | 28 October 2023 08:46 pm10
A censer is a small vessel used by priests to burn incense inside the Tabernacle (God’s Tent of Meeting) or later in the Temple. The burning of incense was an important ritual act symbolizing worship and the presence of God.
Before a priest could perform his sacred duties, he was required to burn incense on burning coals taken from the altar of incense (located just outside the Holy of Holies). This act filled the holy place with fragrant smoke, representing the prayers and worship of God’s people rising to Him.
Exodus 30:34–35 records God’s specific instructions for making the incense:
“And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense… And thou shalt make it a perfume, a confection after the art of the apothecary, tempered together, pure and holy.”
The smoke produced by burning this incense was regarded as a holy aroma pleasing to God, and it signified His presence coming down to meet with His people (Exodus 30:7-8).
It was a grave offense for priests to neglect this ritual or to use unauthorized fire or incense ingredients (Leviticus 10:1–2, Exodus 30:9, Numbers 3:4). This underscores the holiness and reverence required in worship.
In the Old Testament, the incense and the censer were tangible symbols of worship and prayer offered to God. However, with the coming of Jesus and the establishment of the New Covenant, the nature of worship changed.
We no longer offer physical incense because Christ’s sacrifice fulfilled the law and replaced the animal sacrifices and rituals (Hebrews 10:1-18). Our worship is now spiritual and heartfelt.
Hebrews 13:15 states:
“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”
Our prayers and praise are like the incense that rises to God in heaven (Revelation 5:8).
Spiritually, the censer symbolizes the human heart. Just as the censer holds fire to burn the incense, the heart must be kindled by the Holy Spirit for our prayers and worship to be acceptable before God.
Revelation 8:3-4 describes:
“Another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.”
This shows that incense is closely connected to the prayers of God’s people, and the censer represents the place where prayers are “kindled” by God’s Spirit.
Therefore, guarding our hearts and keeping them pure is vital, because out of the heart flows the quality of our spiritual life.
Proverbs 4:23 exhorts:
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
May the Lord bless us as we keep our hearts burning with His Spirit, offering Him sincere prayers and worship!
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