MOVING FROM FEAR TO FAITH -1
In the account found in 2 Samuel chapter 24, beginning at verse 10, we observe a profound moment of introspection for King David. After conducting a census of the people, David’s conscience troubled him, leading him to acknowledge his wrongdoing before the Lord. He earnestly prayed, expressing his deep remorse and pleading for the removal of his iniquity, recognizing the foolishness of his actions. The following morning, the Lord communicated with the prophet Gad, instructing him to present David with three options as a consequence for his sin: enduring seven years of famine, fleeing for three months from his enemies, or facing a three-day plague in his land. David was tasked with contemplating these choices, which would ultimately determine the course of divine judgment upon him.
As the narrative unfolds, we encounter Araunah, who generously offered David oxen for sacrifice and the necessary tools for the burnt offerings. Araunah’s willingness to provide these items was met with a resolute response from David, who insisted on purchasing them instead. He declared that he could not offer to the Lord that which cost him nothing, emphasizing the importance of sacrifice in his worship. Consequently, David acquired the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver, subsequently constructing an altar to the Lord where he presented burnt offerings and peace offerings. This act of devotion prompted the Lord to respond favorably to David’s prayer, resulting in the cessation of the plague that had afflicted Israel. In a similar spirit, it is proclaimed that in the year 2013, all afflictions and adversities will be lifted from your life, invoking divine intervention against any lingering threats from the enemy, ensuring that God’s protective hand rests upon you and your household in the New Year.
The divine presence of the Lord is upon you, and as a result, every affliction is lifted in the precious name of Jesus. This morning, I encourage you to reach out to your neighbor and proclaim the importance of constructing your spiritual altar. Turn to another individual and reiterate the call to build your altar. Throughout the Old Testament, we observe the faithful patriarchs engaging in their relationship with God by erecting altars at pivotal moments. For instance, in Genesis chapter 12, God summoned Abraham to leave his homeland and kin, promising to lead him to a new destination. Upon arriving at the designated location, God instructed Abraham to halt, declaring that this land would belong to him and his descendants. In response to this divine revelation, Abraham constructed an altar to honor God. Today, we delve into the significance of the altar and explore compelling reasons for establishing your own altar in 2013.
In the Old Testament, various forms of sacrifices were offered at the altar, a practice that was integral to the spiritual lives of the patriarchs such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The altar served as a sacred space for communion with God, and its presence is consistently noted throughout their narratives. Transitioning to the New Testament, Jesus emphasized the necessity of building altars, albeit in a non-physical sense. It is important to clarify that I am not advocating for the creation of a shrine within your home, especially considering the influences of traditional African religions that some may be accustomed to. Many individuals you may encounter this year may have their own altars and places of sacrifice. I urge you, wherever I preach across this nation, to choose to construct your altar dedicated to the true and living God, rather than aligning with practices that do not honor Him.
Consider the ease with which one can proclaim the name of Jesus and cultivate a meaningful relationship with God, in contrast to the arduous task of carrying a calabash on one’s head while traversing from one roundabout to another.
This journey, which involves dropping a calabash at each roundabout, can be further complicated by the demands of walking in a state of undress during the night, all while being subjected to the scrutiny of passersby. Such practices reflect a societal belief in witchcraft and sorcery, where individuals resort to various rituals to appease deities in hopes of achieving favorable outcomes. It is essential to recognize that even within the realm of darkness, there exists a hierarchy; appeasing one deity may not suffice, as a more powerful entity may still impose its will upon you.
In light of this, it is crucial to understand that true liberation and fulfillment come from establishing a vital relationship with the one true God—the invisible, immortal, and wise Creator. This is the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, who invites us to approach Him through the covenant of His Son’s blood, shed on the cross of Calvary. Unlike the sacrifices of bulls and cattle, which He has deemed insufficient, God calls us to come to Him through the atonement provided by His sinless Son. When Christ declared, “It is finished,” He signified the completion of the sacrificial system, offering a direct path to divine communion. Embracing this relationship allows one to transcend the limitations of earthly rituals and enter into a transformative connection with the Almighty.
The conclusion of physical blood sacrifices marks a significant transition in our spiritual practice, as we now establish an altar to God within our hearts, serving as a space for prayer and supplication. In this new paradigm, God invites us to rise with renewed strength and purpose. It is essential to recognize that in many cultures, particularly in this region, the conventional approach to prayer often centers around confronting adversaries. Some individuals may engage in lengthy prayers, yet fail to invoke the name of God, instead focusing solely on their enemies. This morning, it is crucial to grasp the essence of the disciples’ inquiry to Christ, as they sought guidance on constructing their spiritual altar. Their request, “Lord, teach us to pray as John taught his disciples,” reflects a desire to understand the nature of the altar they were to raise in the New Testament context.
In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus addresses His disciples, emphasizing the importance of sincerity in prayer. He cautions against the use of empty repetitions, which are characteristic of those who do not truly understand the nature of communication with God. He reassures them that their Heavenly Father is already aware of their needs before they even articulate them. This dialogue underscores the necessity of establishing a genuine connection with God, akin to the altar that David erected, which was predicated on divine intention and righteous requirements. The act of prayer is not merely about persuading God to act against His will; rather, it is about aligning oneself with His predetermined plans. Thus, Jesus provides a framework for prayer, commonly known as the Lord’s Prayer, which serves as a guide for believers in their spiritual journey.
Some individuals may recite prayers verbatim, and while this practice can aid in memorization, it often lacks deeper significance. Merely repeating the words does not foster a genuine connection; it serves primarily to retain the phrases in one’s memory. The essence of constructing an altar to God lies in adhering to the divine guidelines provided. If one truly desires to establish such a sacred space, it is imperative to follow the prescribed methods. The instruction to pray in a specific manner, as articulated in the Lord’s Prayer, emphasizes the importance of recognizing God’s holiness, seeking His kingdom, and aligning one’s will with His. This prayer encapsulates fundamental elements such as daily sustenance, forgiveness, and deliverance from evil, culminating in a declaration of God’s eternal sovereignty.
The guidance from Christ indicates that an altar represents a vital connection between the believer and God. To cultivate a meaningful relationship with the Divine, one must perceive prayer not merely as a ritualistic act but as an essential practice for nurturing that relationship. As Jesus instructed, it is crucial to plan how one will consistently engage with God. This engagement is not only a personal endeavor but also a necessary contribution to the divine purposes intended for one’s life. In the context of affliction, as noted in James 5:13, raising an altar to God becomes a pivotal response to suffering. The biblical account in 2 Samuel 24 illustrates that even in the face of calamity brought about by sin, the establishment of an altar can serve as a means to halt the suffering and restore divine favor.
The scripture in James 5:13 emphasizes the importance of prayer, stating that those who are suffering should turn to prayer. This highlights the role of prayer as the believer’s altar in the New Testament, serving not merely as a response to crises but as a proactive measure to prevent them. A Christian who neglects prayer is inherently weakened, as the adage suggests that a week without prayer renders one spiritually frail. This vulnerability stems from a lack of spiritual power, which is essential for manifesting change in the spiritual realm. Therefore, it is imperative to cultivate a robust prayer life, establishing a personal altar that fosters a deep connection with God.
The altar symbolizes a profound relationship with our Heavenly Father, reminding us of our true identity and roots. The phrase “Our Father who art in heaven” serves as a powerful reminder of our divine heritage, especially in times when life’s challenges may obscure our sense of belonging. It is crucial to recognize that our connections extend beyond earthly ties; they are anchored in our identity as children of God. In moments of distress, we must seek divine intervention, just as God sent an angel to halt the adversary’s hand at the threshing floor. A consistent prayer life enables us to draw upon this identity, reinforcing the understanding that we are never alone. The altar is not only a place of connection and identity but also a sanctuary for worship and reverence, where we acknowledge God’s constant presence in our lives.
Heavenly Father, revered be Your name. Reflect for a moment on the last occasion you addressed God by a name other than “God.” Consider when you last offered a personal song of praise to Him, outside the confines of a church setting. If you maintain a dedicated altar, it serves as a sacred space for worship, a sanctuary where you can fully surrender your life to Him. This altar is not merely a physical location; it embodies a commitment to consecration and yielding to divine will. As we recite, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” we are affirming our desire for God’s purpose to manifest in our lives. It is a moment to relinquish our struggles and allow His guidance to prevail. Have you presented your plans for the year ahead to God, asking Him to take control and direct your path? It is at this altar, this consistent point of connection, that we find the opportunity for true surrender and dedication.
The story of Jacob illustrates the profound nature of wrestling with God. During a night of intense struggle, Jacob realized he was contending with the divine. He declared, “I will not let you go until you bless me,” demonstrating his desperation for God’s favor. In that moment, God brought Jacob to a place of vulnerability, physically impairing him to signify his need for divine assistance. This encounter underscored the necessity of establishing an altar, a place for renewed consecration. If you experienced difficulties in the past year, it may be a divine indication that you need to create a fresh altar in your life, a space dedicated to surrendering to God’s will. Perhaps you have navigated your journey independently, resulting in a metaphorical limp that signifies the struggles you have faced. It is crucial to recognize that now is the time to strengthen your relationship with God and seek His guidance anew.
Establishing a personal altar dedicated to God is essential for fostering a deeper relationship with Him.
Jesus emphasized that the altar should serve as our singular sanctuary, a sacred space where we seek divine assistance and provision. The reliance on human strength is fraught with peril, as the Scriptures warn that those who depend solely on the flesh will find themselves like a barren shrub in a parched land, devoid of sustenance and vitality. In contrast, when we center our focus on God, we create a spiritual refuge where we can present our needs. Jesus taught us to pray for our daily bread, highlighting the importance of seeking God’s provision for our lives. In 2013, it is crucial to contemplate the establishment of such an altar, a place where we can bring our requests before God. Healing, for instance, is referred to as the “children’s bread,” indicating that all our needs, whether for sustenance or personal growth, can be laid before Him. Without a personal altar, individuals may find themselves turning to others for support rather than engaging in meaningful dialogue with God about their challenges, which underscores the necessity of maintaining a consistent and personal connection with the divine.