A PROCESS OF COURAGE: REPAIR THE ALTAR
- DAY 266
- FAITH FILE: ELIJAH
- SCRIPTURES: I KINGS 18:20-40
“Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.” So all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down.”
1 Kings 18:30
Today we continue our discussion on the process that was evident on Mount Carmel during the stand-off between Elijah and the prophets of baal. If you missed part 1, click here to catch up.
Repair The Altar
During the years Ahab reigned, God’s people abandoned the Lord and followed Baal. Jezebel killed prophets, and altars built for the worship of Yahweh were broken down, deserted, or, in some cases, replaced with altars of Baal. So, is it any wonder that when Elijah arrived on this assignment to fix the rebellion of Israel, he repaired the altar?
The altar of God represents the place of worship. The condition of the altar reflects the state of our relationship with God. Elijah understood that his mission was not to prove that he could call down fire but that God was worth their devotion. By rebuilding the altar, he not only called their attention to it but told them that broken altars can be fixed. No matter how far they had gone from God, they could return and fix it.
Sometimes when we stay too far from God we think that things are too broken and it cannot be fixed but that is not so, there is always room in God’s heart for prodigals.
Quick Question
What is the state of your personal altar, which also symbolizes the state of your personal relationship with God? Is it in disarray? Does it need to be repaired? If your personal altar needs repair, would you be courageous enough to take the time to repair it?
Broken and abandoned is not the only state an altar can be in, it could also be unimportant. I call it a dusty altar. Think of a home you only visit once every month, you will meet cobwebs and dust everywhere no matter how well you lock your doors. A dusty relationship is not a priority. Everything else comes before it or it is relegated to convenience when it should be up front and centre. Beloved, courage is drawn from God and a vibrant altar is the straw. We cannot let our relationship with God suffer. We need Him to survive.
I want to encourage you today to examine the state of your altar and if it vibrant as the Holy Spirit to help keep it that way and grow. If it is dusty or broken down, repent and return to God. He always has room for you. State with taking 10 minutes right now to pray, worship, or study God’s word.
Shalom.
