Setting up altars for worship
Text: Exodus 20:22-26
27 January 2014
27 January 2014
BETHANY 4 PRAYER CIRCLE
SETTING UP ALTARS FOR WORSHIP
Exodus 20:22-26
1. Pre-Tabernacle Days
a) An altar of earth Exodus 20:24
i) Burnt offerings
ii) Peace offerings
iii) Sheep and oxen
b) An altar of stone Exodus 24:25
i) Not made of hewn stone
ii) No tool shall be used
iii) No steps
c) Acceptance of this manner of worship
i) Every place where I will record My name Exodus 20:24d
ii) I will come to you Exodus 20:24e
iii) I will bless you Exodus 20:24f
2. God’s Revelation of Himself at Mount Sinai
a) Sense of fear of God (reverence) must be present Exodus 20:20a
b) His Presence helps to create this sense of reverence Exodus 20:20b
c) God speaks from heaven Exodus 20:23a
d) No idolatry Exodus 20:23b
i) Gods of silver
ii) Gods of gold
WORSHIP PRESCRIBED BY GOD
Exodus 24
1. Invitation to worship issued by God Exodus 24:1-2
2. Worship is to be seen:-
a) As an invitation
b) As a privilege
3. Worshippers
a) Moses Exodus 24:1
b) Aaron Exodus 24:1a
c) Nadab and Abihu Exodus 24:1b
d) Seventy of the Elders of Israel Exodus 24:1c
e) The people Exodus 24:2c
4. Proximity to God
a) Moses was the only person allowed to draw closer to God (proximity)
b) The others were to worship from a distance
SIGNIFICANCE
1. The idea of Corporate worship was new to Israel
2. This had to be carefully taught
3. Principles emphasised
a) Worship is a privilege
b) Reverence must be cultivated and practised
c) Proximity to God to be appreciated deeply
“Blessed is the man You choose, and cause to approach You, that he may dwell in Your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, of Your holy temple.” Psalm 65:4
WORSHIP IN THE CONTEXT OF THE IDEA OF A PHYSICAL SANCTUARY
1. Divine revelation Exodus 25
a) Source: God Himself
b) Revelation to Moses
2. Divine instruction Exodus 25
a) Clear instruction
b) Careful compliance required
3. Significance of a Physical Sanctuary
a) Israel had come of age
b) National importance
c) Individual significance