Worship That God Approves

We read in Joshua 8:30-31, Then Joshua built an altar unto the LORD God of Israel in mount Ebal, As Moses the servant of the LORD commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses, an altar of whole stones, over which no man hath lift up any iron: and they offered thereon burnt offerings unto the LORD, and sacrificed peace offerings. (KJV)

As we continue our study on the life of Joshua we know that Joshua succeeded Moses as the leader of Israel. The first hurdle Joshua had to cross was the river Jordan that was overflowing its banks. As the entire multitude of Israelites stood at the banks of the Jordan not knowing what to do, they cried out to the Lord, and waited for His counsel. God instructed them that the priests who bore the Covenant Box should step into the water, and when they did so, the waters of the Jordan parted, and made way for the Israelites to cross over to the other side.

Once they crossed the Jordan miraculously, the next hindrance was the formidable walls of Jericho. Again the people were confused not knowing how to conquer this city that stood before them.

Oftentimes we too encounter one problem after another, and let us be reminded that no matter what the problems are, only the Lord can help us find solutions to every one of them. In times like these we must acknowledge that God is the creator of the heavens and the earth, and call unto Him for counsel for He will surely guide us aright.

The instruction that God gave to the Israelites was that they should walk around the walls of the city of Jericho. However much the Israelites may have tried and exerted all the strength that they had, they knew that it would be impossible for them to bring the walls of Jericho down. They prayed to God who miraculously brought the walls of Jericho down.

After Jericho, the Israelites had to face the city of Ai, which in their eyes seemed a much smaller task to handle. They assumed that they could overthrow this city with ease, and without seeking counsel from God they went to war, and faced a huge defeat. When they cried out to the Lord, the Lord made known to them that there was sin in the camp which needed to be dealt with. Once they got rid of the defilement, the Lord intervened, and gave them victory over Ai.

An altar made of uncut stones

As we read the bible we realize that God not only gave counsel about how to wage war, but God also gave instructions to His people on how they were to worship Him.

Let me mention again the portion of scripture from Joshua 8:30-31, Then Joshua built an altar unto the LORD God of Israel in mount Ebal, As Moses the servant of the LORD commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses, an altar of whole stones, over which no man hath lift up any iron: and they offered thereon burnt offerings unto the LORD, and sacrificed peace offerings. (KJV)

Joshua was instructed that the altar was to be built on Mount Ebal, and God also briefed him on how this was to be built. God commanded that the stones that were to be used on the altar should be whole stones which no man had shaped with iron tools. All through the bible we see that when God desired that something should be done, He made sure that His people know where it should be done, and also on how it should be executed.

The question that may arise in our minds is as to why these minuscule details were so important. Would it not be enough if the altar was just built? We may imagine that the altar, and the sacrifice on the altar was only important, but we realize that God was particular about the way the altar was to be built.

When the altar was built with uncut stones each of them will be unique and different. However, when one used iron tools and shaped them, they would all look similar. Identical stones to build an altar may make it appear beautiful, but God is His wisdom did not want it to be so.

There are many people who want to approach God in the way that they think is desirable or convenient for them. Sadly, many do not approach God the way He wants them to. So many people want to use their wisdom, and have twisted God’s word for their own convenience. Let me remind you that you will receive the blessings of God only when you do things God’s way.