WHAT'S ON YOUR ALTAR? PART 2

In part 1 of this mini series, I spoke of altars and sacrifices. When Jesus died on the cross He became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. In this part, I want to ask the same question but with a different meaning. In the first part, it is explained that Jesus was on the altar for us. In this part I am asking you about your personal altar. 

Altar

An altar is a place of sacrifice. A place where a transaction occurs. Something is offered, and something is accepted or rejected. If the terms are accepted, an exchange occurs. Jesus became the lamb that was slain and God accepted the sacrifice. In return for pleasing God on the cross, God forgives us of our sins provided that we too, accept the sacrifice. This transaction is called a covenant. 

Altars and sacrifices were used to create covenant between man and God. 

Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your offspring.” So Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him. Genesis 12:7 

Abram's altar commemorates the gift and is used to give back something pleasing to God. However, for God to accept your sacrifice, the altar and the sacrifice must be satisfactory. In Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus says;

So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

Jesus is saying the transaction or altar cannot be accepted if your heart is filled with anger or someone has an accusation against you. Also, only clean animals should be sacrificed on the altars. Animals should be without blemish. This is why Jesus's sacrifice is perfect and still effective. Jesus is without sin. 

Then Noah built an altar to the LORD. And taking from every kind of clean animal and clean bird, he offered burnt offerings on the altar. Genesis 8:20 

With a clean heart given to God, we can have covenant with God. Our sacrifice can be acceptable. With a clean heart, we can approach God or be in His presence. Your altar is not clean if your life is not clean. You cannot engage in sin and expect God to accept your altar. As David said, 

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me.

Psalm 51:10-11

Since we no longer build physical altars we are to use our hearts as our altars. What is your altar made of? Is it without spot or sin? Do you clean your altar by going before God with a repentant heart? Do you act with forgiveness towards others to avoid accusations made against you?

I pray that your altar is made with a good foundation of the love of Christ and the sweet fellowship of The Holy Spirit in Jesus name.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I ask you to forgive my sins in knowledge or ignorance. Please forgive me. I accept Jesus as my Saviour. I ask that Jesus comes into my life as I live to be a witness for Him. Please change my life and make me into the person you want me to be. Guide me in these times so I can be used by you to help others in Jesus name I pray. Thank you Father.

 

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