The Glories of AltarsSample

The Glories of Altars

glory in | ˈɡlôrē in | verb

—to take wondrous pride or pleasure in; a state of extreme joy or exaltation

As stated throughout this Bible plan in various ways, an altar is a specific moment of decision when we release our will to God in accordance with the example and instruction of the Word. In return, we receive back the glorious updraft of the Spirit’s power to live within the pressure and pain of life without being pinned by it. Each altar is an opportunity to be changed and renewed. Altars are God’s invitation to know Him more.

Pause with me on this last day together and call to mind the biblical, historical, and present-day heroes that most impact our lives. One of the notable commonalities of those we admire is their altar experience. In this moment their predetermined will skids to a halt against God’s higher purpose for their lives, and they choose to submit themselves—even if it means sacrifice, suffering or death. Inevitably, the agony of their relinquishment is their finest hour, and the events that follow bring lasting influence. In the same way, when we yield our tainted will and take up the will and call of God, we join the great epic story, a Kingdom adventure that will take us beyond ourselves.

As we part, I give to you this testimony: Over the years I have become intimately acquainted with the altar of my soul. It has become the place to which I run and find God waiting. I rise from some altars with an assignment, but most often my altars are more like the planting of a seed. The surrender of my will, the trust expressed, and the love shared produce in me a planting of the Lord, faithfully watered and pruned by Him—despite my flaws and failures. Altar by altar, glory to glory He is growing me. And how I love Him for it.

Let Us Glory In

• Consider the lives of Christian people you greatly admire. What aspects of their character and passion were birthed in their passionate surrender to God?
• Now examine your own altar surrenders. Remember again your sincere repentance, the pain of your surrender, the release of those who hurt you, the entrusting of those you love, the cross you took up, the exchanges made, the consecrations, the tenderly returned thanks, the sincere worship. In all of these, what did you learn about God’s character and ways? How did God change you? What did God accomplish through your yielded life? What is the enduring treasure that cannot be stolen or fade away? What do you know about God that you could not have understood in any other way? Who is God to you now? Rejoice! These are His eternal gifts to you. Amen.