Altar Call
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Numbers 19, 20; Psalms 43, 44
Numbers 20:27-29 (NIV)
Moses did as the Lord commanded: They went up Mount Hor in the sight of the whole community. 28 Moses removed Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar. And Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain 29 and when the whole community learned that Aaron had died, the entire house of Israel mourned for him thirty days.
Psalm 43:3-4 (NIV)
3 Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. 4 Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God.
Good morning!
Moses and Aaron gave their entire lives in obedience to the Lord God Almighty. From their Egyptian journey to Pharaoh and the unfolding of the plagues, to the Passover of the Lord, and through the forty-year wilderness walk, these men learned to rely on the presence and power of the Lord. God expected complete and total obedience and nothing less than their utmost was accepted. It must have been an extremely disappointing moment for Moses and Aaron when the Lord punished them at the waters of Meribah. God told Moses to speak to the rock and it would give water to all who thirst. When Moses took his staff and struck the rock twice, suggesting he and Aaron would provide the water of life, God punished their disobedience in requiring their death in the desert. God refused to allow Moses, Aaron or their generation to cross over to the Promised Land. Have you ever disobeyed the Lord by trying to take credit for His perfect work in your life?
I enjoy visiting the theatre with my husband, especially during the holidays. It is a treat to observe the artistry of talented actors and actresses perform on the main stage. It takes an enormous effort to prepare and produce a quality show. The screenwriters, stage crew, lighting and sound team, costume designers, choreographers and musicians all play important parts to bringing the story alive. The conductor’s lead and his timing are essential to the success or failure of the show. At the curtain call, the cast appears one more time to take a final bow. Their hard work and efforts are applauded as people stand in obvious appreciation for the gift. When the story ends, the baton is passed. The master conductor pours a firm foundation, as the team learns to fully rely upon his direction and leadership skills. Without implementation of the big plan, their efforts will fail – the show will bomb. When the cast and crew give their full attention and obedience to the direction of the master conductor, the show comes together successfully.
The Lord chose Eleazar, Aaron’s son, to take his father’s place as spokesman and leader for the next generation of Israelites. God saw the potential and purity in Eleazar’s heart. He paid attention to his father and uncle through the years, learning from their example. Moses and Aaron submitted to the Lord’s lead, passing the baton to their son and nephew. They knew the Lord would see their people through, just as He promised. They trusted in the master conductor’s instruction, even unto death.
Do you trust God enough to obey Him when he cries out to you? Have you taken credit for the many gifts God gives you each day? Your intellect, skill sets, personal possessions and even your physical body comes from the one who made you. He has a plan and a destiny for your life. Will you allow the master conductor to lead? When He calls you to His altar, will you willingly lay your life down as a sacrifice for His glory? Come to the altar today. God is calling out your name. Can you hear Him? Will you choose to answer?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: a willing heart and obedient spirit to answer the altar call of the Lord. He planned your life with a plan and purpose that only you can fulfill. Come to His altar this weekend at church. He is waiting to meet you there.
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© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
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