The Heart of Worship: Altars of Humility

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 Verses:Exodus 20:25-26."Do not make idols or set up an image or a sacred stone for yourselves, and do not place a carved stone in your land to bow down before it. I am the Lord your God... 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. And do not go up to my altar on steps, or your nakedness will be exposed." - Leviticus 26:1.

In the ancient days of the Israelites, God instructed them on how to worship Him, emphasizing the importance of humility and simplicity. He commanded them not to create idols or images to represent Him, for He is beyond human comprehension. Instead, He asked them to build altars using natural, unaltered materials like mud or unhewn stone. This was not just about the physical structure but about the heart of worship.

An altar represents our relationship with God, and its simplicity reflects our humility before Him. When we try to create elaborate and ornate altars, we risk focusing on our own abilities rather than God's greatness. The altar is not about showcasing our skills but about surrendering our hearts.

In Exodus 20:25-26, God specifically instructs the Israelites not to use dressed stones or tools to build the altar, lest they defile it. This teaches us that our worship should be untainted by human pride and ingenuity. The altar should be a symbol of our dependence on God, not our self-sufficiency.

The prohibition against steps leading up to the altar (Exodus 20:26) serves as a poignant reminder of our vulnerability before God. Just as the priests had to be mindful of their exposure, we too must approach God with humility and reverence, acknowledging our nakedness before Him.

In a world that often values grandeur and spectacle, God's instructions on altar-building offer a powerful counter-narrative. True worship is not about external displays but about the posture of our hearts. As we come before God, let us remember that the altar represents our humility, our surrender, and our devotion.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Help us to build altars of humility in our hearts, acknowledging Your greatness and our dependence on You. May our worship be untainted by pride and self-sufficiency, and may we approach You with reverence and surrender. Teach us to focus on Your glory rather than our own abilities, and may our lives be a reflection of Your beauty and simplicity.

Amen.

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