Altars in the Wilderness
By Megan J. Conner
Bible Reading:
The phrase “altars in the wilderness” has become somewhat of a Christian catchphrase that has gained popularity over the last several years. The expression sounds deep, compelling, romantic, even. It alludes to a sense of profound destiny, as if connected to some measure of achievement or victory. While marker stones were often set up in the Old Testament to memorialize an act of God’s deliverance or miraculous provision during wilderness wanderings, there is a significant difference between a monument and an altar.
Throughout the Old Testament, we see monuments resurrected through marker stones. Similar to our modern-day statues, granite walls, or marble towers, these memorials were built as a lasting reminder of God’s triumph over an obstacle or enemy, and His divine deliverance of His people. We see examples of this in Joshua chapter four when the twelve tribes stack stones to memorialize the crossing of the Jordan river, and again in 1 Samuel chapter seven when God delivers the Israelites from the Philistines and Samuel erects a memorial called “Ebenezer,” meaning stone of help. In both of these references, God miraculously demonstrated love in action as He cared for those who belonged to Him.
While faith was required to follow the Lord in each of these scenarios, it was God who was responsible for the work, not man. How different in comparison when we look at the term altar. Again, the word stirs in us visions of majesty and the divine, but an altar at its core is not a place of glory, but of humility. The word altar, when used as a noun in Hebrew, means “place of sacrifice,” and is derived from a verb meaning “to slaughter, to offer, or to sacrifice.” There is no grandeur here; rather, there is messy, raw surrender. A total and complete resignation of oneself.
One of the most famous biblical examples of this can be found in the story of Abraham and his son Isaac. Abraham waited decades for his promised son, Isaac. Abraham was assured he would have descendants as numerous as the stars. Yet, God calls Abraham to sacrifice his only son upon the altar of the Lord. Abraham did not fully understand the outcome of this command, but his assurance in the Lord was so unshakeable, he obeyed and trusted God would provide a solution he simply could not see.
“Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, ‘Father?’ ‘Yes, my son?’ Abraham replied. ‘The fire and wood are here,’ Isaac said, ‘but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?’ Abraham answered, ‘God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.’ And the two of them went on together. When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.” – Genesis 22:6-9 (NIV)
Take a look at the last sentence. Why do you think Abraham bound his own son? Because he was about to be slaughtered, and a struggle might ensue. Because to lay down one’s life is HARD, even when the heart is willing and there is confidence in the Lord. Ultimately, God provided a ram for the sacrifice, and Isaac’s life was spared. However, the intense, guttural surrender of both Abraham and Isaac upon that altar is almost incomprehensible. Yet… it was through this sincere act of sacrificial death that God birthed a nation. Just as the crucifixion of Christ continues to offer us resurrection and redemption today.
The altar is a sacred place of transformation. As reflected in scripture, these opportunities to lay open our hearts upon the holy ground of self-sacrifice often arise during seasons of wilderness wanderings. Times when the world falls away, during moments of isolation and hardship, when water and sustenance seem scarce. If you find yourself in a moment such as this, look up and look out. Likely, there is an altar ready and waiting for you in that wilderness. Will you, like Abraham, offer what is most precious to you in surrender to the Lord? If so, what may appear as death WILL spring forth new life.
“Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” – Matthew 10:39 (NIV).
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Deep humility can be difficult. We long to feel validated in our own selves, our own efforts. We pride ourselves on what we can achieve or accomplish. We long to be in control of our own destinies. However, the Kingdom of God is an upside-down kingdom. Those who long to be first will be last, and the last will be first (Matt. 20:16). If you find yourself wandering in a wilderness today, know that God is doing a good work in you. He is not punishing or abandoning you, He is calling you into deeper surrender and relationship with Him. Will you heed that call? What can you lay down upon the altar today?
Further Reading:
Genesis 22
Matthew 10:34-42
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Givaga
To read more from Megan, check out her Blog, Just One More Chapter. If you would like to connect further with Megan, you can discover more on her Website, on Facebook, or Instagram.
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