GO OUT
Today's reading: Leviticus 4-6

"Remember, the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out." Leviticus 6:13 NLT

"The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar, it shall never go out." Leviticus 6:13 KJV

Go out-quenched, extinguished.

Leviticus 4-6 tells us that morning and evening burnt offerings were sacrificed in this Tabernacle church.

Twice daily the sins of the nation were laid upon this altar, seeking God's forgiveness and restoration to Him.

Sins fed the flames.

Wrong-doings kept the coals red.

Trespasses nourished the fire on the altar.

I think of the altars in our churches today.

They are used for thanksgiving. Used for seeking God's direction. Used to lay burdens upon. Used to re-group, to re-prioritize. Used to lift up others in prayer.

But is the fire on the altar fed by our seeking forgiveness for our sins? Are its coals banked by our repentance, true heart-breaking repentance? Do our tears of sorrow for wrongs we have committed against the Lord and others nourish the flames on the altars in our houses of worship?

Yes, I know we have had a Lamb sacrificed once and for all for our sins, but that great gift in itself should keep us wanting to remain clean, remain holy, remain cleared of all trespasses against Him--to keep the fire on the altar from ever going out.