The Ministry of the Altar

“…. And Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever, to burn incense before the Lord, to minister unto him, and to bless his name for ever.”

(1 Chronicles 23: 13)

“With Jesus help, let us continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by proclaiming the glory of his name.”

(Hebrews 13: 15)

Our highest calling is to worship, to bless and to proclaim the glory of His name! This is our true ministry. Many Christians talk of having “their” ministry. But all true ministry in that sense is His and He ought to be the focus of ours!

Anything of true and lasting value in our lives must flow from lives devoted to His worship. Not only is worship the place of ultimate rest for the child of God – but from it flows ultimate communion, revelation, blessing and protection.

The instruction and promise of the Father was - “Place the altar just outside the inner curtain – I will meet with you there!” (Exodus 30:6). Do we want to know the deep joy of his presence? Be often in the place of adoration and worship!

Not only do we enjoy his presence in this place – but it is here he will reveal his purposes! Zechariah was worshipping at the altar of incense in the temple when Gabriel visited with the astounding news that his long forgotten prayer for a son was to be answered (Luke 1:11)! And, it was as the elders of the Church at Antioch were “worshipping the Lord”  - that the Holy Spirit spoke and separated Paul and Barnabus to their life’s calling and mission. (Acts 13:2).

As we rest in the awesome presence of our Father, as our hearts are drawn to him in adoration and worship, we also discover this as the place of ultimate protection. Speaking from his own experience of resting in the protection of his Father’s love, David states - “He shall cover you with his feathers. And under his wings you shall take refuge; his truth shall be your shield and buckler.” (Psalm 91: 4 NKJV). I am protected from all harm and danger in this place – no enemy can reach me here!

Malachi in the Old Testament sums it all up beautifully when, speaking prophetically of our day, he stated – “For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down, My name shall be great among the gentiles; In every place incense shall be offered to my name”. (Malachi 1:11 NKJV). Yes – this is the place of true rest!