Are you reading the Bible through with me? Grab your pen and journal, and get ready to write your thoughts as you journey through the Bible with me. Read Genesis 25-27. Did you know that Isaac was the third man to build an altar to Yahweh God? (Noah & Abraham were the other 2). One day, Isaac met God. God spoke to Isaac in Genesis 26:25. Note that he built an altar and pitched his tent. Building the altar symbolizes his eternal relationship with God. Pitching his tent symbolizes the truth that this life is temporary.
Paul even describes our bodies as earthly tents (2 Corinthians 5:1). In Mark Partin's book “Everyday Strength”, he asks, “as you pass through life, do you build your altar and pitch your tent OR are you building your tent while pitching your altar?” Is God the Master of your life or does He simply play a role? For many of us, we live the way we want to during the week and only think about God if there is a tragedy in our lives or if we are frightened or worried.
Some people today have even forgotten about attending church except for weddings and funerals, and perhaps a holiday every now and then. For those, church holds no importance, but church holds us accountable for our weekly behavior. It helps us keep our faith strong and reminds us that He should be in control of our lives, not only on Sundays, but every day of the week.
Paul wrote in Colossians 1:17, "He is before all things and in Him all things are held together." This life is temporal. According to statistics, the average life span in the United States is 78 years. Then what? When we are young and busy, we tend to forget that life can end at any moment. We need to start thinking about the future; our eternal future. God wants to prepare us for eternity. So, build your altar, but pitch your tent. How will you get started building your altar? Write your plans. What do you need to change in your life?
Pray, Lord, help me to keep my focus eternal. May my heart and all that I do, say, or think be an altar where You are glorified. Dr. Zane Brown Retired Associational Missionary for Colleton Baptist Association of Churches Teaching Pastor at Nova Church
