Tuesday: Altars of Renewal
Daily Lesson for Tuesday 11th of November 2025
What was Joshua’s motivation for building an altar to the Lord? Read Joshua 8:30-31; compare with Deuteronomy 11:26-30, Deuteronomy 27:2-10.
In the time of the patriarchs, altars marked the path of their pilgrimage and became tangible representations of their claim to the land, which had been promised by God. Now, by erecting an altar, the Israelites bore witness to the fulfillment of the promises given to their forefathers. In this case, the erection of the altar is the direct fulfillment of the instructions given by Moses (Deuteronomy 11:26-30, Deuteronomy 27:2-10).
Image © Jim Howard at Goodsalt.com
Joshua 8:30-35 plays a significant role in shaping the whole theological message of the book. By linking one of the most gruesome, violent stories (war) to something totally different—a scene of covenant reaffirmation (worship)—Joshua takes us back to one of the most important theological themes launched in the book at the outset: Joshua has the mandate of leading Israel to a life of covenantal obedience (Joshua 1:7). This is also the picture of Joshua at the end of the book (Joshua 24:1-33).
Notwithstanding the importance of warfare and the conquest, there is something even more vital: loyalty to the requirements of God’s law. The conquest is only one step in the fulfillment of God’s plan for Israel and the restoration of all humanity. Faithfulness to the precepts of the Torah constitutes the ultimate question in the destiny of humanity. Joshua writes the copy of the law on large, whitewashed stones, different from the stones of the altar (compare with Deuteronomy 27:2-8). Thus, the stones, which probably contained the Ten Commandments, formed a separate monument in the vicinity of the altar, constantly reminding the Israelites of the privileges and duties implied in the covenant.
Joshua foreshadows the New Testament Jehoshua (Jesus), whose mission was, among other things, to lead humanity back to obedience to God. In order to accomplish this goal, He had to undertake a conflict with the powers of evil. His ultimate goal was to fulfill the covenant requirements on our behalf: “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us” (2 Corinthians 1:20, NKJV).
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What are some spiritual practices we can do now that can have the same functions as building an altar had in ancient times? |
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If you want a clear winner in the application stakes today it has to be family worship. Before the Sanctuary was built, it was the responsibility of the head of the family to build an altar and offer the burnt offering. We have no idea on how often they did this. When the temple services began a sacrifice was offered at least daily and Jewish law stated that it was the only place to make sacrifices.
Except for some ultra conservative sects, Jews do not seek the return of animal sacrifices, even if they expect a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem. Accordingly, they have replaced the practice in their thinking with other spiritual practices. While there is some diversity in interpretation there are four key ideas:
It is not a big step for us as Christians to see the wisdom of taking those values and practices into our daily worship. When we had children, family worship was important. It was also participatory. Today, with the children gone, Carmel and I usually read something together. We have read the whole Bible through a couple of times in the last few years, Currently we are reading a book on science, faith and trust. We used to sing but our voices sound like dying frogs, so we gave that up.
Far too many of us modern Christians rely on church attendance and programs for our spiritual exercise. If you want to develop athletic prowess, you may go to the gym once a week, but you will practice every day. Keeping our spiritual health alive is much the same.
I also make frog sounds when I sing so I have been listening to Fanny Cross hymns as part of my daily worship.
Thank you Maurice for sharing such a powerful and practical reflection. Your words beautifully remind us that true worship begins at home. Family worship lays the foundation for faith, shaping our hearts long before we step into the church.
Indeed, the church is just a collection of families each one nurturing its own flame of devotion, prayer, and study. When these individual lights come together, they form a brilliant glow that brightens the entire body of Christ.
May we all continue to tend the altar in our homes so that our combined worship as a church may shine with the full light of God’s presence.
I also no longer sing. In the morning after my private prayer and Bible study I like to ride my bike for about 5 miles. During the ride my mind recalls choruses and hymns we have sung through the years. Their words bring comfort and strength. “I have the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart; In to my heart; Everyday with Jesus,” and many more.
Family worship builds faith across generations and keeps God at the center of family life. It reminds us that spiritual leadership begins at home, not only in the church.
Faith requires daily practice, not just weekly church attendance.
Just as physical strength requires regular exercise, spiritual strength grows through daily prayer, study, and worship.
It is profoundly important to note that there are no physical altars made of stone in the New Testament. Instead, we have spiritual altars that were fulfilled in Christ Himself. Christ is our ultimate altar..
“We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat.” (Hebrews 13:10).
Jesus Christ offered Himself as the final sacrifice. Therefore, there is no need for animal blood or physical altars because, “He offered one sacrifice for sins forever”. (Hebrews 10:12). Since Christ dwells in believers (through the Holy Spirit), now the heart becomes the altar; the place for worship, sacrifice, covenant renewal and encounter with God.
“Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God; this is your spiritual act of worship.”(Romans 12:1).
Now God is appealing to us to keep the altar of our heart clean that He may accept our worship and prayers.
In the Bible, covenant renewal is a solemn and sacred moment when God’s people reaffirmed their commitment to Him and His covenant promises. It is a time of reflection, repentance, and rededication often taking place after significant events in Israel’s history. Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel and reminded them of God’s mighty acts: how He called Abraham, delivered them from Egypt, parted the Red Sea and Jordan, and gave them victory over their enemies (Joshua 24:2–13). This act of remembrance helped the people see God’s faithfulness and mercy, calling them to gratitude and obedience. Covenant renewal, therefore, became a moment to re-center their lives on God’s grace and to renew their faith in His promises (Deuteronomy 8:17–18).
Joshua then called the people to make a personal and communal choice, saying, “Choose this day whom you will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). The Israelites responded by pledging their loyalty to God and rejecting all foreign gods (Joshua 24:16–24). Joshua confirmed this renewal by recording their commitment and setting up a stone of witness as a lasting testimony to their promise (Joshua 24:25–27). This solemn covenant renewal not only reaffirmed Israel’s relationship with God but also served as a model for future generations showing that true faith requires continual remembrance, recommitment, and obedience to the Lord (cf. Exodus 24:3–8; Nehemiah 9–10).
Greetings children of the most high God.
Can one have a prayer room in the house and build an altar for God there?
If so, what would be the components of the altar?
When Joshua built the altar (Joshua 8:30–31), he did it out of obedience and gratitude, not to earn God’s favor. The altar was a testimony that God had already blessed Israel.
Likewise, giving is an act of worship, not a way to buy blessings. When people give just to get, they misunderstand worship God’s blessings flow from His grace, not our money.
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart… for God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7
Achan took what was God’s and showed greed.
Joshua gave back to God in faith and thankfulness.
True giving says, “I give because I’m blessed,” not “I give to be blessed.” That’s the heart of real worship.
A life of success and life of ease can lead to a life of complacency and dependency on self.
We do need reminders to declare and display where God has brought us from and what He is doing in our lives. We may not have to build the physical alters of renewal and remembrance, but we can use every opportunity to testify of God's goodness. Why not today use the popular media platform to send our personal testimony instead of the fried-over greetings that have been "forwarded many times". Why not feed our friends and family with fresh bread that confronts and addresses our situation where we can boldly say I have trird and proven His promises and indeed all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 2 Cor 1:20
... today is a good day in spite of the war, to worship
How does personal surrender transform the heart from a cold stone into a living altar where God’s presence dwells?
The Lord who guided the ancient Israelites in times of war is the same Lord of peace embraced by today’s believers. This transformation prompts us to reflect: what led to such profound changes?
God remains constant in love, demonstrating an unwavering presence throughout history. However, the universe underwent a remarkable shift following the most heart-wrenching event—one that forced a reckoning with the past. The sacrifices made by our forefathers carried a heavy toll, culminating in the ultimate price paid: the life of Jesus, the Son. In a breathtaking act of humility, He, who sits at the right hand of the Royal Throne of the universe, chose to become the most vulnerable among us.
The significance of His death was immense, granting Him the title of King of the Universe. This pivotal moment reshaped history, laying the foundation for a new era. We now find ourselves in a time characterized by Christ’s grace— a profound gift that continues to resonate in our lives today.