The Alter Connects Us

The Altar Connects Us

"But that’s not it. We did it because we cared. We were anxious lest someday your children should say to our children, ‘You’re not connected with GOD, the God of Israel!’" (Joshua 22:24)

When the two and a half tribes of Israel—Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—returned to the land allotted to them east of the Jordan, they built an altar by the river. The remaining tribes, upon hearing this, quickly concluded that their brothers had turned away from God and were erecting an altar to a strange god. They prepared for war, determined to correct what they thought was rebellion.

However, before taking action, they wisely sought clarification. The eastern tribes explained that the altar was not for sacrifices nor for idolatry, but as a memorial—a witness between them and the rest of Israel. It was built to affirm that though separated by geography, they were still united in covenant with the God of Israel. The altar was a symbol of connection, not division.

This powerful story teaches us that the altar connects us.

For ancient Israel, the altar was a physical structure. For us today, it is spiritual. The altar represents our place of prayer, communion, and fellowship with God. It is the meeting point between heaven and earth. You may be praying in your room while I am praying in mine, but as long as we stand at our respective altars, we are united in the Spirit. Distance cannot divide those who are connected through prayer.

The altar is where strength is renewed and unity is forged. It reminds us of Psalm 133, where brethren dwell together in unity and the Lord commands His blessing. There is power when believers gather physically, and there is also power when we gather spiritually in prayer. When we maintain our personal altars, we contribute to a corporate anointing that is mighty in manifestation.

Jesus emphasized the importance of persistence in prayer in Luke.18:1 when He said that men ought always to pray and not faint. Prayer sustains us,it keeps us from fainting. It keeps the fire burning. It keeps us connected.

Do not neglect your altar. Guard it. Feed it with consistent prayer, worship, and the Word. The altar is not just a place—it is a lifeline. It connects us to God and to one another.

Reflection
The altar is a place of remembrance and reassurance. It reminds us of who we belong to and who we are connected with. In a world that constantly tries to isolate and divide, the altar unites and strengthens. Ask yourself: Is my altar still burning? Am I consistent in meeting God there? When we return to the altar daily, we secure our connection and renew our strength.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of the altar—the sacred place where I meet with You. Help me to keep my prayer life alive and consistent. Let the fire on my altar never go out. Unite me with fellow believers in spirit and truth, and let Your blessings flow as we stand together before You. Strengthen me when I feel weak, and remind me that through prayer, I am never alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have a fruitful day.
(Dr.) Emmanuel Okoro
(aka Dr. Lift)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Birthright for sale

Birth rights for sale  "One day Jacob was cooking a stew. Esau came in from the field, starved. Esau said to Jacob, "Give me some of that red stew--I'm starved!" That's how he came to be called Edom (Red). Jacob said, "Make me a trade: my stew for your rights as the firstborn." Esau said, "I'm starving! What good is a birthright if I'm dead?" Jacob said, "First, swear to me." And he did it. On oath Esau traded away his rights as the firstborn." (Gen.25.29-33).  Life has taught us to trade what we have for what we want or need. And this is basic economics but the story of how Esau lost his birthright is a lesson we should not forget in a hurry. It tells us that we do not value what we have, until we have lose it.  Esau had his birthright and that entitles him to a double portion of the inheritance from his father. But he was willing to trade a long term advantage for a short pleasure. He wanted a quick fix over a permanen...
Read more

Joshua Spoke, the People Moved

Joshua Spoke, the People Moved “And it happened. Joshua spoke, the people moved. Seven priests carrying seven ram’s-horn trumpets went out before the LORD. As they walked, they blew the trumpets, leading the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD.”  (Joshua 6:8) When Joshua gave the instruction, the people did not argue, analyze endlessly, or delay. He spoke—and they moved. That simple act of obedience set divine power in motion. History was shaped not merely by what was said, but by what was done. Actions give weight to knowledge. What we do with the truth we receive determines the outcomes we experience. Many of us know what is right, what God has said, and what steps we should take—but knowing alone does not transform a life. If we consistently acted on every truth we already knew, our lives would look very different. The real question, then, is not “What more do I need to hear?” but “What is stopping me from acting?” This text teaches us how to relate to God’s Word: Joshua spoke, ...
Read more

Everything God said we will do

Everything God said we will do  "So Moses went to the people and told them everything GOD had said--all the rules and regulations. They all answered in unison: "Everything GOD said, we'll do." (Exod.24.3)  It smacks of arrogance, thinking you can do everything God said to do on your own. But in reality we know the difference was the case. In fact, the Apostle cried out, "what I want to do, I do not do, who shall deliver me from this body of sin"   "I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway." (Rom. 7.19) We all at some point desire to do one thing but ended up doing another. We must come to the place where we realize that it is not of him that runs but God Who shows mercy.  The children of Israel ended up not doing what God wants them to do. And most of them died in the wilderness.  "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my abse...
Read more