Horns of the Altar

Exodus 27

This passage provides the scene for hard human stories that would have been played out to a climax here. By taking hold of the horns of the altar, one fleeing from blood revenge could claim sanctuary (see 1 Kings 1:50-51). The horns were a symbol of the atonement that was effected at the altar. If we are troubled or confused be the elaborate detail of the tabernacle design and detail, let it be seen as lending importance to the central need addressed at the centre of it all: reconciliation between human and God, and human and human.

The place in our church building where we worship together is still called a “sanctuary.” Newer churches or churches undergoing change tend to call such a place a ‘worship centre’ or some such thing, or even just an auditorium. I wouldn’t be in rush for such a change, especially if we can be reminded of the central meaning of sanctuary, as a place where we focus on the atoning work of God – now in Christ – and consider fully, prayerfully and in commitment together the implication of the sacrifice of Christ on the altar of the cross for us all.

Prayer:
Lord, may user-friendly praise and worship, or ‘upbeat’ services, or marketplace tactics never lead us to shrink from witness to the central reality of what you have done in Christ, but point to your work more fully and effectively. Amen.