THE ALTAR AS A PLACE OF DIVINE INSTRUCTIONS

Title: THE ALTAR AS A PLACE OF DIVINE INSTRUCTIONS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Judges 6:25-26
Supporting Texts: Exodus 24:12-13, 1 Kings 19:11-13, 2 Samuel 24:18-25

INTRODUCTION:
In Scripture, altars are not only places of sacrifice and worship but also locations where God gives clear and profound instructions. These divine directions often come in moments of prayer, worship, or in times when God wants to guide His people. The altar, therefore, becomes a point of access where the believer receives clarity on God's will, direction, and next steps. In the story of Gideon, God gave specific instructions at the altar on what to do next in the battle against the Midianites (Judges 6:25-26). This study highlights how altars serve as places where God gives divine instructions for those who seek His guidance.

1. ALTARS AS PLACES OF DIVINE ENCOUNTER AND REVELATION

a) Divine Encounters at the Altar
Altars are where God reveals Himself and speaks directly to individuals (Genesis 22:11-12).

b) Clarity in Times of Confusion
In moments of uncertainty, the altar becomes the place where God brings clarity (Judges 6:25-26).

c) Acknowledgment of God’s Presence
God often gives instructions after a person acknowledges His presence at the altar (1 Kings 19:11-12).

d) Instructions That Change Lives
Divine instructions at the altar have the power to change the course of history (Genesis 12:1-4).

e) Biblical Example: Gideon received specific directions from God at the altar when the Lord instructed him to tear down the altar of Baal (Judges 6:25-26).

2. HOW GOD GIVES DIVINE INSTRUCTIONS AT THE ALTAR

a) Clear and Precise Direction
When God speaks at the altar, His instructions are clear and specific (Exodus 24:12-13).

b) Through His Word
Often, God’s instructions come through the reading of the Word and divine illumination (2 Timothy 3:16).

c) Through the Still Small Voice
Like Elijah, God may speak through a quiet, inner voice that requires attentive listening (1 Kings 19:12).

d) Through Signs and Symbols
Sometimes God gives direction through tangible signs as confirmation of His will (Judges 6:36-40).

e) Biblical Example: In 2 Samuel 24:18-25, God instructed King David to build an altar at the threshing floor of Araunah, which became the place where God's mercy was released upon the nation.

3. THE PURPOSE OF DIVINE INSTRUCTIONS AT THE ALTAR

a) To Direct and Lead
Divine instructions are meant to guide believers into God’s perfect will and purpose for their lives (Psalm 25:4).

b) To Correct and Refocus
The altar often serves as a place where God corrects wrong paths and refocuses the believer on His will (Acts 9:3-6).

c) To Equip for the Next Level
Instructions at the altar prepare the believer for the next step in their journey of faith (Matthew 4:19).

d) To Establish Covenants
At times, divine instructions at the altar are connected to establishing or renewing covenants (Genesis 17:1-2).

e) Biblical Example: God gave specific instructions to Noah at the altar to build the ark, thus saving humanity from the flood (Genesis 6:13-22).

4. RESPONDING TO DIVINE INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE ALTAR

a) Obedience
The key to receiving the full benefit of divine instructions is prompt and complete obedience (Genesis 22:1-2).

b) Trust in God’s Timing
Divine instructions often come with a timeline, requiring patience and trust in God’s perfect timing (Habakkuk 2:3).

c) Preparation to Act
After receiving instruction, the believer must prepare to take the necessary steps of faith (Exodus 12:11-14).

d) Follow Through
True obedience means carrying out the instructions exactly as God has commanded, without deviation (1 Samuel 15:22-23).

e) Biblical Example: Gideon acted on God’s instructions by tearing down the altar of Baal and building a new altar to the Lord (Judges 6:25-27).

5. THE RESULTS OF FOLLOWING DIVINE INSTRUCTIONS AT THE ALTAR

a) Divine Victory and Breakthrough
Obedience to God’s instructions at the altar results in victory and breakthroughs (Judges 7:15-25).

b) God’s Blessings
Following God’s instructions brings blessings and the fulfillment of promises (Deuteronomy 28:1-13).

c) Spiritual Growth and Transformation
Every encounter with God at the altar leads to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with Him (Romans 12:1-2).

d) Establishment of God's Kingdom
Divine instructions lead to the advancement of God’s kingdom through His people (Matthew 28:18-20).

e) Biblical Example: The Israelites received victory in their battles after following God’s instructions through Joshua and Moses (Joshua 6:1-20).

CONCLUSION:
The altar is a sacred place where believers can receive divine instructions that direct their lives. These instructions often come in moments of worship, prayer, and sacrifice. When we respond in obedience, we align ourselves with God’s perfect will, and He guides us to victory, blessings, and spiritual transformation. Just as Gideon received direction for his mission at the altar, we too can expect to hear God’s voice and follow His lead for the next season of our lives.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, speak to me at Your altar and guide me in the path You have set for me.

2. I receive divine instructions that will lead me into divine victories.

3. Father, grant me the grace to obey Your directions at all costs.

4. Let Your still small voice be heard in my spirit as I seek Your guidance.

5. I declare that I will walk in the fullness of the instructions You give me at the altar.

6. Father, destroy every obstacle that prevents me from following Your divine guidance.

7. Let every confusion in my life give way to divine clarity and direction.

8. I surrender my will to Your will, Lord, and follow Your instructions.

9. Holy Spirit, open my eyes to see the signs and symbols You use to guide me.

10. Father, let every area of my life align with the instructions You give at the altar.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. Every instruction you receive from the altar will lead you to divine breakthroughs!

2. God is releasing clarity into every area of confusion in your life!

3. As you obey His voice, victory and favor will manifest in every step you take.

4. You will walk in the fullness of divine directions, and nothing will stop you!

5. This season, God will reveal His purpose and plan for your life at the altar!

6. You will not miss the divine instructions that will elevate your life.

7. The instructions of the Lord will bring you into a place of divine establishment and prosperity.

8. Every altar encounter will result in testimonies of divine breakthroughs in your life.

9. The voice of God will become clearer in your life as you position yourself at the altar.

10. This year, you will walk in the full manifestation of every divine instruction you receive.