“Though fear had come upon them because of the people of those countries, they set the altar on its bases; and they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord, both the morning and evening burnt offerings.” Ezra 3:3

The Altar

Walk His Way Revisited

God was on the move. Prophecies and promises were being fulfilled. God had spoken about things to come in details that astounded those caught in time and space. The prophet Jeremiah had foretold a 70-year captivity (Jeremiah 25:11 and Jeremiah 29:10). The Babylonians had taken Judah captive and now those 70 years were ending. Cyrus, of the Persian Empire, had now conquered Babylon. Isaiah the prophet called Cyrus by name 140 years before Cyrus had issued the decree that the Jews return to their ancient ancestral land, the land of covenant promise (Isaiah 44:28). Are not all these things wonderfully amazing?

The Jews returned from captivity in three stages: Zerubbabel led the first group in 538 B.C., Ezra led the second group in 458 B.C., and Nehemiah led the third group in 444 B.C. They returned over a 94-year span. They returned as the remnant God had preserved. They returned to build the Temple and restore the wall around Jerusalem. They were called to a great work.

Their first act of restoration was to build an altar and set it on its bases. Though fear had come upon them because of the people of that country, they built an altar, set it on a firm foundation, and offered sacrifices to their God.

This is where I must always begin. It is necessary to make a conscious effort and deliberately act to build my altar and establish it. Before the day begins, before the great work begins, and before I am overwhelmed by fears and doubts, I must be found at the altar. This is an intentional decision to seek God first in time and in priority. It is to abide in Christ and to bow in worship and prayer within the altar of my heart.

At the altar I lay down flesh and foolishness and watch it go up in smoke. At the altar I find grace and forgiveness. At the altar I am prepared and enabled to continue the work and ministry of God in my life.

These Jews found Jerusalem in disarray. There had been destruction in the city and it had been long neglected. The people who lived there were hostile. There was cause for fear, yet they let nothing deter them from clearing a place for their altar. Despite chaos, clutter, or clamor, let me clear away a place and time to meet with God. Let no calamity or distraction keep me from it. Morning and evening may I be found at the altar.

Father, You are the passion and priority of this life. May You always take precedence. In this day and age enable and equip us as we meet with You. Prepare us for Your great work and fulfill all Your good purpose. In Jesus’s name, Amen.