The Time of Incense

When he dresseth, the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it. And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it. We have already considered the Candlestick, with its seven lamps, as the type of ministry or testimony in connection with Christ, and in the power of the Spirit.
It is Christ himself who prepares his servants for this ministry in the word, and he gives grace and power for its exercise. Just as Aaron dressed the lamps in the morning, and caused the flame to ascend at even, or between the two evenings. In Revelation 1. 2. 3, the Lord Jesus is thus shown as one like unto the Son of man in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, giving and directing the testimony which was to be borne in his name.
And testimony to Christ is a sweet savor unto God, as says the apostle in 2 Corinthians 2:14-17, “For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish.” But this is not all; the type before us beautifully and expressively shows the connection between the preparation and exercise of ministry, in fellowship with Jesus, and the fragrance of his own intercession.
When the servant is preparing, or being prepared for testimony, the intercession of Jesus is ascending oh his behalf; and when he is giving his testimony, the sweet savor of the name of Jesus is going up before God.