When worshippers entered the tabernacle courtyard, they encountered the altar. It stood between the gate and every other act of worship, an unavoidable reminder that access to God is always costly. The altar was Israel’s price of admission into God’s presence. It reminded them that holiness isn’t cheap, and sin has consequences. But it also reminded them that God had made a way for mercy through sacrifice. The altar was not decorative; it was declarative. It declared that sin costs life.

 

Put It into Practice: Once this week, do a physical act of surrender – open hands, kneel, or write a prayer — symbolizing placing your life on the altar. Ask God: “What are You calling me to lay down this week?” Write it down and pray over it daily.

 

Day 1 Exodus 27:1–8

Reflect:  What does this passage teach you about God’s holiness and mercy? About approaching Him? Why do you think God placed the altar at the very entrance of worship? 

Apply: Where do you sense God nudging you toward deeper honesty or repentance? What “first step” of surrender might God be calling you to place on the altar this week? 

Pray: Lord, may my life, like the altar with its network and rings, be a place where Your presence dwells and where sacrifices of praise are continually offered. Use me to declare Your glory and beauty in this world.

 

Day 2 Exodus 29:38-46 

Reflect: Why do you think God commands continual offerings? What does this reveal about worship? Does your worship express a daily relationship, or is it more of an occasional ritual? 

Apply: What daily rhythm reminds you of God’s presence (prayer, gratitude, Scripture, silence)? How can you cultivate consistency in your worship—not out of duty, but desire?

Pray: Father God, help me to bring spiritual sacrifices of prayer, praise, and daily devotion. May my life be a pleasing aroma to You.

 

Day 3 Leviticus 17:1-12 

Reflect:  What does this passage teach you about the value God places on life? Why was Israel forbidden from consuming blood, and what does that reveal about atonement?

Apply: Where might you be treating sin lightly – and how can this Scripture reawaken reverence? How does this deepen your understanding of the seriousness of sin? What do you need to change?

Pray: Holy God, I bring myself, an imperfect offering, to Your altar. I confess my sins, my tendency to seek life in worldly things, and times I have failed to honor the life You’ve given. I offer my daily life and self to You in worship. 

 

Day 4 Hebrews 9:11-23 

Reflect: What does it mean that His blood cleanses our conscience? Why must forgiveness be connected to the “shedding of blood”? How is Jesus’ sacrifice different from this old system?

Apply: Where do you need to let Christ cleanse your conscience – guilt, shame, or hidden sin? How can you depend more fully on Jesus’ finished work instead of self-effort or “earning”? What would change if you lived each day as someone truly redeemed and cleansed?

Pray: God, thank You for Jesus, that His perfect sacrifice cleanses my conscience from dead works, empowering me to serve the living God. Help me live in awe of this greater covenant, fixing my eyes on Jesus, my eternal hope.

 

Day 5 Hebrews 10:11–22

Reflect:  What contrasts do you notice between the priests’ continual work and Jesus’ finished work? What does it mean to draw near with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith?

Apply: What area of your life resists full surrender; what would laying it on the “altar” look like? How does Jesus’ “once for all” sacrifice change the way you approach God? What would be different?

Pray: Heavenly Father, I thank You for the “once for all” sacrifice of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, who finished the work of redemption and sat down at Your right hand.