How can we "weep between the portico and the altar" in our lives? Setting the Scene “Let the priests who minister before the LORD weep between the portico and the altar, saying, ‘Spare Your people, O LORD…’” (Joel 2:17). In Joel’s day, the priests gathered in the narrow space between the Temple’s entrance (the portico) and the bronze altar of sacrifice to plead for mercy on behalf of the nation. Their tears acknowledged sin, cried for forgiveness, and trusted God’s covenant love to heal the land (Joel 2:13). What It Meant Then • The portico marked entry into God’s holy presence. • The altar represented atonement through shed blood. • Weeping expressed heartfelt repentance that words alone could not convey. • Public intercession by spiritual leaders modeled humility for the whole community. Translating the Image to Today • Christ’s finished sacrifice replaces the bronze altar (Hebrews 10:19–22). • Believers are now “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), called to the same posture of interceding repentance. • The “space” between portico and altar is any moment when we stand consciously in God’s presence, anchored to the cross, pleading for our families, churches, and nation. Practical Ways to Weep Between the Portico and the Altar • Set Apart Time – Schedule regular seasons for fasting and confession (Joel 2:15–16). – Guard them as non-negotiable appointments with God. • Pray Scripture Aloud – Use passages like Psalm 51; Daniel 9:4-19; Nehemiah 9:32-37. – Insert the names of people, churches, or communities you are lifting. • Engage the Whole Person – Kneel, lift hands, or lie prostrate to align body with heart (Ezra 9:5-6). – Allow genuine tears; they signal sincerity, not weakness (Luke 19:41). • Stand in Corporate Solidarity – Join others in assembly-wide repentance services (Acts 3:19). – Confess “our” sins, not merely “their” sins (Nehemiah 1:6-7). • Stay Near the Cross – Keep communion elements or a visible cross nearby as a reminder of the cost of mercy (1 Corinthians 11:26). – Praise God that Christ “always lives to intercede” for us (Hebrews 7:25). • Persist Until Breakthrough – Echo Jacob: “I will not let You go unless You bless me” (Genesis 32:26). – Record answers to fuel continued intercession. Biblical Promises Linked to Genuine Repentance • 2 Chronicles 7:14—God heals the land when His people humble themselves. • Isaiah 30:18—The LORD longs to be gracious; He waits to show compassion. • James 4:8-10—Draw near to God, cleanse hands, and He will lift you up. • Acts 3:19—Repentance brings “times of refreshing” from the Lord. • Joel 2:25-27—Restoration of lost years and public vindication follow humble appeal. Living It Out Daily • Begin mornings acknowledging the cross, confessing sin, and interceding before engaging any task. • Carry a soft heart through the day—quick to repent privately whenever conviction strikes. • Gather weekly with others to seek God’s mercy for your community. • Expect God’s response, because “He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion” (Joel 2:13). |
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