Introduction/Preamble
Today we shall continue to look at platforms presented to us by God through which He can reach our lives as His children, demonstrating His sufficiency in all aspects of our lives. In John 15:5-6, God emphasised the need to remain connected to Him, so as to draw from all sufficient God.
Building and maintaining a personal altar is a germane pre-requisite for God to encounter His own people. It involves drawing closer to God in commitment, consistent sacrifice of spiritual value and vow – I Sam.1:21.
A. Gaining Understanding About the Altar; From the Old Testament to the New Testament era:
Definition and Origin
An altar is a sacred structure or designated place used in worship, offering, and consecration.
In Hebrew, the word “altar” is often translated the term מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach), which implies the idea of “place of sacrifice.”
Old Testament Era:
Throughout the Old Testament, altars are frequently mentioned as focal points of communal worship, personal devotion, and divine-human interaction.
In the Old Testament, the altar as a physical structure were of different reason and purpose. There were several types of altars:
1. Altar of Burnt Offering (Exodus 27:1-8): A bronze altar where animals were sacrificed to atone for sin.
2. Altar of Incense (Exodus 30:1-10): A golden altar where incense was offered to symbolize prayer and worship.
3. Altar of Sacrifice (Leviticus 1:1-17): An altar where various sacrifices were offered to atone for sin and express gratitude.
Key Features of Old Testament Altars:
1. Physical Structure: 2. Sacrifices: 3. Priestly Mediation:
Transition to New Testament Era:
With the coming of Jesus Christ, the concept of the altar underwent a significant transformation:
1. Jesus as the Ultimate Sacrifice: Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice, offering Himself on the cross to atone for humanity’s sin (Hebrews 10:12-14).
2. The Cross as the New Altar: The cross became the new altar, where Jesus offered Himself as a sacrifice (Hebrews 13:10-12).
3. Spiritual Sacrifices: Believers are now called to offer spiritual sacrifices, including praise, thanksgiving, and good works (Hebrews 13:15-16).
Key Features of New Testament Altars:
1. Spiritual Structure: The altar is now a spiritual structure, representing the believer’s heart and life.
2. Spiritual Sacrifices: Believers offer spiritual sacrifices, including praise, thanksgiving, and good works. – (1 Peter 2:9-10).
3. Direct Access to God: Believers have direct access to God through Jesus Christ, eliminating the need for priestly mediation (Hebrews 4:14-16).
B. The Pattern of Building the Altar for God- Exodus 20:24
You are to make for Me an altar of earth
God is the focus. He requested altar to be made for Him
Building an altar of earth is a divine instruction that reflects the God desires in worship. Altars in ancient times were often constructed from natural materials, emphasizing that worship should not be about human craftsmanship but about obedience and reverence. This aligns with the patriarchal tradition, as seen with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who built simple altars to worship God (Genesis 12:7, 26:25, 35:7).
……and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and peace offerings:
Burnt offerings were entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing complete dedication to God (Leviticus 1). Peace offerings, on the other hand, were shared between the altar, the priests, and the offerer, symbolizing fellowship with God (Leviticus 3). These offerings foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself wholly to God and brought peace between God and humanity (Ephesians 2:14-16).
your sheep and goats and cattle:
These animals were common in the agrarian society of ancient Israel and were often used in sacrificial practices. The use of domesticated animals highlights the cost of worship and the principle of offering something valuable to God. This prefigures Christ, the Lamb of God, who was the ultimate sacrifice for sin (John 1:29).
In every place where I cause My name to be remembered:
This phrase indicates that God’s presence is not confined to a single location, unlike the pagan deities of the time. It anticipates the later establishment of the tabernacle and temple, where God’s name would dwell (Deuteronomy 12:5). Ultimately, it points to the New Covenant, where God’s presence is with believers everywhere through the Holy Spirit (John 4:21-24).
I will come to you and bless you
God’s promise to come and bless His people underscores His desire for a relationship with them.Heb.11:6. This blessing is contingent upon obedience and proper worship. The speaker of the command, emphasizing His desire for worship and relationship with His people.
C. Implication/Life Application of Altar to the Children of God
1. Simplicity and Humility in Worship: God desires simplicity and humility in worship, as reflected in the instruction to build an altar of earth. This emphasizes that worship should be about obedience and reverence, not human craftsmanship, you are to come as you are, in simplicity, openness, plain and humility of heart- I Peter 3:3-4
2. Complete Dedication to God: The burnt offerings, which were entirely consumed by fire, symbolize complete dedication to God. You are to let go of everything brough to the altar
3. Fellowship with God: The peace offerings, which were shared between the altar, the priests, and the offerer, symbolize fellowship with God. This is fulfilled in Christ, who brought peace between God and humanity.
4. Cost of Worship: The use of domesticated animals in sacrificial practices highlights the cost of worship. This principle is fulfilled in Christ, the Lamb of God, who was the ultimate sacrifice for sin.
5. God’s Presence Everywhere: The phrase “In every place where I cause My name to be remembered” indicates that God’s presence is not confined to a single location. This is fulfilled in the New Covenant, where God’s presence is with believers everywhere through the Holy Spirit.
6. Obedience and Proper Worship: God’s promise to come and bless His people is contingent upon obedience and proper worship. This emphasizes the importance of living a life that honours God.