In the Old Testament, altars were more than just physical structures; they were sacred markers of places where God met His people. These altars symbolized encounters with the Divine, moments of deep connection, transformation, and a profound sense of God’s presence. They served as memorials, reminding the people of God’s faithfulness and grace, offering a tangible way to worship and give thanks for what God had done in their lives.
Today, the idea of building an altar remains significant, though it may not involve stone or firewood. When God calls us to build an altar, He is calling us to focus on Him, to put Him first above everything else. Building an altar in our lives is about setting aside time to be with God, to nurture our relationship with Him, and to acknowledge our dependence on Him. It’s a powerful reminder that our walk with God is not just one part of our life; it is the center of everything.
Our time at the altar, the moments we dedicate to being in God’s presence, impacts everything else in our lives. It shapes our perspective, renews our strength, and guides our steps. But so often, we squeeze our prayers and moments with God into the spaces between our other priorities, as if they are secondary. God, however, calls us to live a life of sacrifice—a life where we offer Him our very best.
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
A life of sacrifice is about offering God the best of our time, energy, talents, and possessions. When we do this, God uses our offering to display His glory through us. The altar, now, is not a physical place but the heart where the Holy Spirit dwells. Just as the Israelites’ altars were the places where offerings were made, our hearts are the altars where a right relationship with God begins. It’s in our hearts that God desires to meet us and transform us.
However, just as altars needed to be maintained and kept holy, we must take care of our hearts. We are responsible for protecting our altar and ensuring it remains a place of holiness. This requires discipline—regularly spending time with God, seeking His guidance, and removing distractions from our lives. Anything that pulls our focus away from God weakens our altar. Be diligent in protecting this sacred space! Though it may be difficult, the hard things we commit to doing are the very things that grow us and mold us into the people God has called us to be.
In the Old Testament, the aroma of burnt offerings rose to God as a pleasing fragrance. Similarly, when we offer our lives as living sacrifices, it pleases God. By choosing to imitate Christ in everything we do, we grow to be more like Him each day. As children often imitate their parents, we, too, must follow closely in the footsteps of our Savior.
You are God’s temple. You are the visible manifestation of His glory, and His Spirit dwells within you. Through you, God moves, works, and accomplishes His purposes. When we build an altar in our hearts, we invite God to reign in every part of our lives. We become vessels of His love, grace, and power. Protect your altar. Keep it holy. Let your life be a living sacrifice that brings glory to God, and allow Him to work through you in ways beyond what you could ever imagine.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I come before You today with a heart that longs to be Your altar. Help me to prioritize You above all else, to protect the sacred space in my heart where You dwell. Give me the discipline to spend time in Your presence, the wisdom to seek Your direction, and the courage to eliminate distractions that pull me away from You. Lord, use my life as a living sacrifice for Your glory. Let Your Spirit work through me, shaping me to be more like Christ each day. I offer You my time, my talents, and my whole heart. May my life be a sweet fragrance before You, and may Your presence be known in all I do. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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