The next phase in our progression the Inner Court. The priests were given special access because of their responsibilities. They invested time in the scriptures to understand God’s laws and the practices of their religion. Serving God in this way at this time was also very physically demanding. The priests were responsible for inspecting and accepting the required sacrifices, containing and sacrificing the animals on behalf of their own sins and the people’s sins. They also performed cleansing ceremonies and returned to the stairs to bless the people. Jesus became the sacrifice when he died on the cross, and he became our priest when he rose again and is sitting at the right hand of God in heaven.
Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,  a minister in the holy places, in the true tent[a] that the Lord set up, not man…
Hebrews 8: 1-2
The Altar of Sacrifice
The Priest’s Court served two important purposes, sacrifice and cleansing. There was an altar of sacrifice where the priests made sacrifices for their own sins and sins on behalf of the people. The temple sacrifices didn’t save from sin; they were placeholders until the real sacrifice came. God’s son came as a man to take the punishment of our sin as the sacrificial Lamb of God. His blood was spilled, not for his sins but ours; this was the only thing worthy enough to cleanse the sins brought by Adam. We put our sins on the altar of sacrifice in prayer and confession and receiving what his blood did for us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
“… For You do not delight in sacrifice, or else I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering. My [only] sacrifice [acceptable] to God is a broken spirit; A broken and contrite heart [broken with sorrow for sin, thoroughly penitent], such, O God, You will not despise.”
Psalm 51:15-17
The Basin
There was also a basin in the Priest’s Court for washing from this process before they could progress into the intimate Holy Place. The basin was symbolic of the word of God, the Bible. Jesus said spoke of the cleansing power of the Bible in John 15:3. We see in Ephesians 5:25-26 that Jesus washes us with the water of the word. That brass basin outside of the Holy place (they used brass as mirrors back then) filled with water is a beautiful symbol of what can happen when we read God’s word. We see ourselves in God’s word. Sometimes hurts, sometimes inspires, but changes us. It divides the truth from the deception, even self-deception.
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
My Kitchen
My kitchen has two levels as well, one for guests and the other for family and close friends. A guest doesn’t know what’s behind closed drawers, the fridge, or my pantry. My friends (and family) who are close enough have total access, but it began with small steps. The more time we spent together, the more I allowed them to see my imperfect kitchen, as they helped me make a cup of coffee or tea as we sat with lunch. They’ve slowly gotten to know where things are put away as they’ve assisted in cleaning up. Before I know it, they are the ones helping me clean and cook at a dinner party or celebration. I’m not embarrassed by that old moldy potato they found lost in my pantry. My priests or close friends and family will discreetly dispose of it and make no issue in front of others. They have my back, and I have theirs. We live in close fellowship as were share daily responsibilities and break bread together regularly. We’ve gotten to new levels in our relationship when offenses come, and we’ve needed to forgive one another. It’s a level of realness that is uncomfortable at first but so precious in the end.
Sacrifices of Praise
“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”
Psalm 100:4
We get closer to God in the same ways. As we spend time with him, the more comfortable we become, we allow him into our mess, our sin, and ask forgiveness. It’s a deeper, more intimate level that’s uncomfortable at first. Once we get to know him and experience his grace, it’s easier to praise him in our pain or fear. This sends a powerful message to the devil, God, and even ourselves. The action demonstrated that he is more powerful and more important than our shortcomings or anything that could hurt us. When we magnify him above our problems and begin to praise him, God lives within these praises. Like the Psalm says, we lift our heads above the enemies around us as we glorify and magnify him above those troubles, enemies, and trials. We serve the purposes of priests in our own life through Jesus. It might be a little uncomfortable to let him in, but it’s worth it, and it opens doors to even more incredible experiences with an unfathomable God.
“For since the Law has only a shadow [just a pale representation] of the good things to come—not the very image of those things—it can never, by offering the same sacrifices continually year after year, make [a]perfect those who approach [its altars].”
Hebrews 10:1
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
1 Peter 2:9
“And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, In His tent I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.”
Psalm 27:6
