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that's what this altar is for

 


Exodus 17:15  NLT  

Moses built an altar there and named it Yahweh-Nissi (which means “the Lord is my banner”).


Sunday I shared at the end of the message the purpose of altars.  It was during the sermon that talked about letting go of our struggles and letting God give us help and rest.  Altars will do just that.


What is an altar?  Why build an altar?  It comes from a heart, like Moses, that has seen God work and needs God.  Moses built that altar because he was committed to going to God and to lifting God up.


All through Scripture, especially the Old Testament, there are people who built altars.  They are built because people choose to praise God.  Draw attention and give praise to God because of what He has done and who He is.


Altars are also built because of the burdens we have.  They come with times of praying and pleading with God for what is needed and what He does for the people He loves.  We need altars where we take our burdens and remember our blessings.


What happens at altars is bowing.  You and me and others coming before God and humbling ourselves, worshipping, praying and seeking God.  Literally that is what altars are for.


There is a song that means a lot to me about this.  It is older but speaks volumes.  Check out some of the lyrics of “The Altar”…


And some are finding mercy, Forgiveness for their sins

Some are fighting battles, And they're struggling to win

The time has come To give them to the Lord

That's what the altar is for…


Hearts are being broken, Lives are being changed

And those who call upon Him, They will never be the same

The time has come To give in to the Lord

That's what this altar is for


That's what this altar is for, And you don't have to carry

Those burdens anymore, There’s a light in the darkness

And there's a love that's true, And Jesus is waiting

He is waiting here for you, Go quickly now…


Built your altar.  Or go to your altar and spend time with God.  You have blessings.  Praise God and worship Him.  Seek Him.  You have burdens.  Lay them there and give them to God.  Watch God work.


I close with a few verses that remind me of an altar that I need!


Hebrews 12:1-3  NLT  

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.\

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