THE WOOD, THE FIRE, AND THE SACRIFICE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 22:6-8
Supporting Texts: Leviticus 6:12-13, Romans 12:1, Hebrews 12:29, 1 Kings 18:33-38, Psalm 51:17
INTRODUCTION:
In the divine pattern of worship and spiritual intimacy, three elements are repeatedly found—the wood, the fire, and the sacrifice. These represent deeper truths that apply to every believer desiring to walk closely with God and experience His presence. Abraham’s journey to Mount Moriah was not just about offering Isaac; it was a divine picture of how to engage God's altar.
The wood represents preparation, structure, and the disciplines of devotion. The fire represents God's consuming presence, which comes only on what is acceptable and ready. The sacrifice is the offering of ourselves—our obedience, surrender, and worship.
Every genuine altar encounter requires all three components. Without the wood, there is no fuel. Without the fire, there is no divine approval. Without the sacrifice, there is nothing to consume. When these three align, the glory of God is revealed.
1. THE WOOD: PREPARATION AND STRUCTURE FOR DIVINE ENCOUNTER
Every altar must have wood before fire can burn. The wood represents your daily devotion, discipline, and readiness to meet God.
a) The wood symbolises spiritual discipline (Psalm 1:2-3):
A life rooted in the Word is like a tree that never withers. Devotion is spiritual wood.
b) Without wood, there is no fire (Proverbs 26:20):
No fuel, no flame. You must lay the foundation of prayer, Bible study, and worship daily.
c) Carrying the wood is a personal responsibility (Genesis 22:6):
Abraham laid the wood on Isaac. Your altar will only be as strong as your personal effort.
d) Wood must be arranged properly (1 Kings 18:33):
Elijah arranged the wood before calling fire. A disordered life hinders divine fire.
Biblical Example: Elijah rebuilt the altar and arranged the wood before fire fell on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18).
2. THE FIRE: THE PRESENCE AND POWER OF GOD
The fire represents God’s presence and approval. It is the divine response to correct preparation and offering.
a) Fire falls where there is obedience and alignment (Leviticus 9:24):
When all was in order, fire came from God and consumed the sacrifice.
b) God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29):
He purifies, refines, and reveals Himself through fire.
c) The fire signifies divine approval (1 Kings 18:38):
Fire falling from heaven validated Elijah’s sacrifice before the people.
d) Fire empowers and transforms (Acts 2:3-4):
On the Day of Pentecost, fire transformed ordinary men into mighty vessels.
Biblical Example: The disciples at Pentecost were ignited by heavenly fire after tarrying in prayer (Acts 2).
3. THE SACRIFICE: SURRENDER THAT ATTRACTS GOD'S ATTENTION
The fire will not fall if there is no sacrifice. A believer’s life must be laid on the altar for God’s presence to manifest.
a) Present your bodies as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1):
Total surrender is the starting point of genuine worship.
b) God requires brokenness over performance (Psalm 51:17):
A broken and contrite heart is a worthy sacrifice.
c) Sacrifice must be voluntary and wholehearted (Genesis 22:9-12):
Isaac was willing, and Abraham held nothing back. God sees the heart behind the sacrifice.
d) Where there is genuine sacrifice, provision follows (Genesis 22:13-14):
God provided a ram after Abraham offered Isaac. Provision follows obedience.
Biblical Example: Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice, offered Himself and received the name above every name (Philippians 2:8-11).
CONCLUSION:
God is still seeking altars that are properly arranged with wood (discipline), prepared for fire (His presence), and ready with a sacrifice (surrender). When these elements are in place, divine encounter becomes inevitable. Many desire God’s fire but neglect the wood or refuse the sacrifice.
Revival does not begin in the crowd—it begins with one life properly aligned. Let your altar have wood, let it attract God’s fire, and let your life be a living sacrifice.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to build a strong altar with the wood of daily devotion.
2. Let Your fire fall afresh upon my life and consume every impurity.
3. Make me a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto You.
4. I receive grace to be consistent in spiritual discipline and surrender.
5. Let my altar attract Your presence and provoke divine encounters.
6. Father, remove every disorganisation from my spiritual life.
7. Holy Spirit, ignite my altar and keep my passion burning.
8. I reject every strange fire and counterfeit manifestation in my life.
9. Help me to always respond to Your call of sacrifice and obedience.
10. Let my life be a true altar where Your glory dwells.
