Connect Ezekiel 43:17 with other biblical teachings on altar significance and sacrifice. Starting with Ezekiel’s Vision “It’s ledge will be fourteen cubits long and fourteen cubits wide on its four sides” (Ezekiel 43:17) “Its steps shall face east” (Ezekiel 43:17) What the Details Tell Us • Exact dimensions show God’s precision—He cares about the smallest measurements. • Four equal sides hint at completeness and perfect balance in worship. • The east-facing steps echo Eden (Genesis 3:24) and the sunrise—moving toward light and life. Echoes in Earlier Altars • “Noah built an altar to the LORD” (Genesis 8:20) • “Construct the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long and five cubits wide” (Exodus 27:1) • “Overlay it with bronze, and make a horn on each of its four corners” (Exodus 27:2) Key threads: – Always built to God’s specifications, never human improvisation. – Horns symbolize refuge (1 Kings 1:50) and power. – Bronze speaks of judgment absorbed by sacrifice. Fire That Never Goes Out “The fire must be kept burning continually on the altar; it must not be extinguished” (Leviticus 6:13) God’s presence and provision were constant; the people’s devotion was to match that constancy. When the Temple Was Filled with Glory “Fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices” (2 Chronicles 7:1) Heaven’s answer to obedient altar-building: visible glory and acceptance. From Shadow to Substance • John 1:29—“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” • Hebrews 13:10—“We have an altar from which those who serve at the tabernacle have no right to eat.” • Christ fulfills every measurement, material, and flame. His cross is the true east-facing altar where God meets humankind. Living Out the Altar Today • Romans 12:1—“Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” • 1 Peter 2:5—“You… are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood.” Practical outflow: – Daily yield thoughts, actions, resources to Him. – Keep the fire of devotion stoked through Scripture and obedience. – Face “east” by orienting life toward the risen Lord and His coming glory. Summary Snapshot Ezekiel’s fourteen-cubits-square altar ties directly to the story line of Scripture: precision in worship, perpetual sacrifice, divine acceptance, and ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. Like the priests who ascended those east-facing steps, we’re invited to step forward daily, offering ourselves on the sure, God-designed altar of Christ’s finished work. |
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