Fri.’s Devo - The Altar

Read: Ezekiel 42:1-43:27; James 5:1-20; Psalm 119:1-16; Proverbs 28:6-7 Ezekiel was take to a set of rooms on the north and the south each side of the Temple. There was a large structure that spanned the width of the inner courtyard. Half of the rooms faced toward the inner courtyard and half faced the outer courtyard with a walkway between them. The rooms had three layers where the layer above was recessed like a ziggurat. These rooms were holy and where the priests who offered sacrifices would eat the offerings. They also stored the grain, sin, and guilt offerings in these rooms. *** Ezekiel measured the perimeter of the Temple area and it was 875’ x 875’ (12 cubits by 12 cubits) Twelve is the number of government. When he came to the east gateway the glory of God appeared from that direction He could hear it coming like the roar of rushing waters. Everything shone just like what he had seen in a previous vision. God spoke and said that in this Temple he would rest his feet and live forever among the people of Israel. This Temple would not be defiled by idolatry from their kings like before. The law of this Temple would be absolute holiness. *** He described the altar as having a gutter that measured 12 cubits or 21” deep and wide round the altar. The blood would flow through this gutter to the people. Twenty-one is three seven’s or three times the perfection. The altar was 21 feet tall with ledges every 7 feet. There were horns on the corners of the altar which stood for mercy. The priest ascended this altar by steps on the east side. *** God told Ezekiel that when this altar was built the Levitical priests were to offer a perfect bull as a sin offering and smear its blood on the four horns and the upper ledge and its curb. This would cleanse the altar and make atonement. *** On the next or second day, a perfect male goat was to be sacrificed that would cleanse and make atonement again for the altar. Then, offer another perfect bull and a perfect ram that had been sprinkled with salt. *** Then, every day after that they were to offer a male goat, a young bull and a ram from the flock to sacrifice as a sin offering. This was to be done for seven days to set the altar apart for holy use. On the eight day and each day after they could offer burnt offerings and peace offerings and the Lord would accept them. *** James had a hard word for the rich who hoarded their wealth. It would speak against them on the day of judgement. They had spent their wealth on themselves at the expense of others. They had condemned and killed innocent people. *** He encouraged the righteous to hold on because the day of their reception was coming. They would reap a harvest just like Job did in the end. *** James warned them not to take oaths but let their word be enough. He gave solutions for every problem. If you are suffering, then pray. If you are happy, then sing. If you are sick, have the elders annoint you and pray over you in the name of the Lord. If you have sinned, you will be forgiven. *** He encourages us to confess our sins to one another that we may be healed, because it is the prayer of the righteous that gets results. Elijah was an example of this. He was human but God heard his prayer and answered him. *** Lord, may we be reconcilers and bring those back who have wandered away. May they receive forgiveness and life instead of condemnation and death.