Introduction:
In the tapestry of biblical history, altars hold a profound significance as places of encounter with the Divine. However, in our Christian journey, the concept of altars expands beyond physical structures; it extends to the very core of our being—the altar of the heart. Let us delve into the transformative power of altars, both physical and spiritual, and understand how they symbolize our surrender to God’s work in our lives.
I. The Biblical Foundation:
“Abraham built an altar there and called on the name of the Lord.” (Genesis 12:8, NIV)
Throughout the Bible, we witness patriarchs and prophets erecting altars to mark significant encounters with God. These altars were tangible expressions of reverence, gratitude, and commitment. Likewise, in our lives, physical altars can serve as reminders of God’s faithfulness and our commitment to Him.
II. The Altar of Surrender:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1, NIV)
The true essence of the Christian altar lies in the surrender of our lives to God. Our hearts become altars when we offer ourselves as living sacrifices, yielding our ambitions, fears, and desires to the transformative power of God’s love. It is in this surrender that we find true worship.
III. The Living Stones:
“As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:4-5, NIV)
We, as believers, are described as living stones, forming a spiritual house. Our individual altars, our hearts, collectively contribute to the construction of this holy dwelling. As we offer spiritual sacrifices—acts of love, service, and obedience—we partake in the divine craftsmanship of God’s transformative work.
IV. Altars of Remembrance:
“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us.’” (1 Samuel 7:12, NIV)
Just as Samuel set up a stone as a memorial, our altars can be places of remembrance—Ebenezers that testify to God’s faithfulness in our lives. These tangible reminders become markers of our spiritual journey, reinforcing our trust in the God who has brought us thus far.
Conclusion:
Whether in the physical form of stones and wood or within the chambers of our hearts, altars symbolize our commitment, surrender, and worship. As we build and maintain these sacred spaces, let us be transformed by the encounter with the Divine, offering our lives as living sacrifices on the altar of love and devotion. May our hearts be altars where God’s transformative power is continually at work, shaping us into vessels of His grace and glory.
