+DEV+ Is Your Altar Pretty?

Date: May 3, 2012 10:27 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Is Your Altar Pretty?

Is Your Altar Pretty?

"If you make an altar of stones for me, do not build it with dressed stones, for you will defile it if you use a tool on it."   (Exodus 20:25)
Scripture Focus: Exodus 20:21-26

What is your church's altar like? Is it wood, metal, engraved, or covered with fine linen? Altars in the Old Testament were used for sacrifices. Some were made of earth, others of stone. Later, when God told the people to build the tabernacle, He told them to fashion a bronze altar befitting His purposes for them.
   
In this passage, God directed Moses to build an altar of earth. He also said they could make altars of uncut stones. These altars were not built to be pretty. Their forms were rough, since tools could not be used to shape precise stones. Why would God require this?
   
First, the altar would not resemble a created thing, so it would not become an idol. The people also would not admire the altar as a work of art, which might distract them from its purpose. The focus was always the sacrifice that lay upon it.
   
Does what you do distract from what Christ did for you? Know that Jesus' sacrifice alone makes us acceptable to God.

Insight: Does What You Do Distract From What Christ Did For You? Know That Jesus' Sacrifice Alone Makes Us Acceptable To God.