In Exodus 40:5, we encounter a crucial directive from God concerning the construction of the tabernacle, which served as the earthly dwelling place of God among His people. The verse reads: "And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put the hanging of the door to the tabernacle." This verse encapsulates profound spiritual truths about worship, intercession, and the divine presence of God.

The altar of gold, as specified in this verse, symbolizes a place of communication and communion between God and Israel. Incense, a fragrant substance burned during worship, represents the prayers of the people rising before the Lord. Revelation 5:8 tells us that the golden bowls filled with incense are the prayers of the saints. In connecting Exodus 40:5 and Revelation 5:8, we comprehend that the act of setting the altar was not merely a ritualistic requirement but an invitation for God’s people to come into His holy presence.

In ancient Israel, setting up the tabernacle and its components was a sacred responsibility carried out with precise instructions from God. Each element in the tabernacle carried significance. The altar of incense, placed before the Ark of the Testimony (which contained the Ten Commandments symbolizing the covenant between God and His people), was a vital component as it represented the worship that should precede one’s approach to the holiness of God. It is as if God is saying, "Before you come into My presence, let your prayers arise."

The act of setting the altar of incense also emphasizes the importance of worship in our lives. Today, the instructions to build the tabernacle live on within us, as we are now the tabernacle of the Holy Spirit. We must create an atmosphere conducive to divine communication. Making time for prayer and worship is vital for us to connect deeply with God.

Reflecting on this passage, we must ask ourselves: What do we place before God as we approach His presence? Are we bringing our burdens, our praises, and our hopes, or are we approaching Him half-heartedly? The act of setting the altar is an invitation to offer ourselves fully to God in surrender and devotion. The psalmist declares in Psalm 51:17 that "the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." Our worship must come from a heart that recognizes its need for God’s mercy and grace.

Furthermore, consider the significance of the "hanging of the door to the tabernacle" mentioned in Exodus 40:5. This door, this separation, acts not just as a threshold but also as a reminder and invitation. It reminds us that there is a separation due to the holiness of God, yet it invites us into relationship. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross tore the veil that separated God from humanity (Matthew 27:51). Through Him, we can now freely enter the Holy of Holies. The hanging of the door is no longer a barrier but a welcome into a sacred space, a space where we can meet God.

As we go about our day-to-day lives, we should reflect on these symbols—the altar of incense and the door of the tabernacle. How can we set aside time to cultivate our relationship with God? Are we actively preparing our hearts to engage in worship and intercession? Let us not forget the importance of prayer and the significance of our approach to God. He desires for us to enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise (Psalm 100:4).

In conclusion, Exodus 40:5 presents us with an essential framework on how we can come into the presence of God: with reverent hearts, with our prayers lifting to Him like fragrant incense, and with anticipation as we approach the open door of fellowship provided through Christ. As we set our altars and hang our doors, let us do so with the understanding that we are not merely participating in a ritual, but we are embarking on a profound journey into the heart of God.