“First the altar… then the ministry.”
Just for your thoughts.
The Altar – The Beginning of Dedication
Scripture Portion: Ezra 3:2
Bible study,7
After 70 years of exile, the people who returned to Jerusalem planned to rebuild the ruined temple. But what was the first task they undertook?
“Then Jeshua son of Jozadak and his fellow priests and Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his associates began to build the altar of the God of Israel to sacrifice burnt offerings on it, in accordance with what is written in the Law of Moses the man of God.”
— Ezra 3:2
They did not begin by rebuilding the temple.
They first built the altar.
In the Old Testament, the “First Work” — The Altar
Throughout the Old Testament, we see that those called by God built an altar before beginning their mission.
1️⃣ Noah – An Altar of Thanksgiving After the Flood
? Genesis 8:20; 9:1
After coming out of the ark following the flood, Noah built an altar to the Lord.
After that:
God made a covenant (? the sign of the rainbow)
The responsibility was given: “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.”
? An altar of thanksgiving — the mark of a new beginning.
2️⃣ Abraham – The Beginning of a Journey of Faith
? Genesis 12:7
When God appeared to Abraham at Shechem, he built an altar there.
After that:
A long spiritual journey of faith began.
? Where there is revelation, there must be dedication.
3️⃣ Isaac – Confirmation of the Covenant
? Genesis 26:25
When God appeared to Isaac and confirmed the covenant made with Abraham,
Then:
Isaac built an altar
He worshiped the Lord
? Dedication in response to promise.
4️⃣ Jacob – An Altar of Peace
? Genesis 33:20
After returning from Laban’s house, reconciling with Esau, and safely arriving in Canaan:
“He set up an altar there and called it El Elohe Israel.”
? Surrender after struggle.
✝ The New Testament Perspective
? Hebrews 13:15
? Acts 20:24
In the New Testament, the altar is not something built with stones.
It is our very life.
“We have an altar…” — Hebrews 13
? Before any ministry we do,
we must first dedicate ourselves to God.
? The True Meaning of Dedication
✔ Not for praise
✔ Not for money
✔ Not for recognition
✔ Not for human approval
? But for the glory of God alone.
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me…”
— Acts 20:24
? A Short Spiritual Thought
“Any ministry that does not first impact us personally will not have any real impact in the Kingdom of God.”
In other words:
A ministry that does not first touch us personally will not produce lasting fruit in God’s Kingdom.
? Conclusion
The altar represents:
Beginning
Dedication
Thanksgiving
Covenant
Peace
Total surrender
Ministry without dedication will not transform the world.
Ministry rooted in dedication is pleasing to God.
? The life-breath of every believer:
“First the altar… then the ministry.”