The Fire Must Be Kept Burning

Remember, the fire must be kept burning on the altar at all times. It must never go out. [Leviticus 6.13]

Anyone who knows me or has followed this blog for any length of time, knows that at times my thoughts don't necessarily follow general convention. I think today will reveal more of that, even though, in my mind, it seems clear.

What do all the sacrifices and the protocol for their performance say to us today? Remember, we must remain mindful that the Old Testament points to, and points us to, Jesus.

As I read today's OYCB reading, it stood out to me that the processes of the sacrifices provide a picture of repentance. The details of these various offerings speaks to me that repentance is not without complexity but rather an exercise requiring thoughtfulness and great care.

The statement made in the subject verse above tells me that repentance should be a mindset - a frame of mind that should be constant. The fact that the fire should never be allowed to go out says that a repentant heart should remain constantly repentant and humble. There is simply no place in the life of God's servant for pride and arrogance - humility is what we need - ongoing repentance is how we get and keep it. 

As we consider Jesus in all the mandated procedures of the offerings, we see that His blood replaced the blood of animals once for all time. However, the 'elaborate detail' of the offerings should alert our minds that the application of Jesus' blood on our behalf is not without complexity. Repentance requires perpetual care and reflection!

I am not saying here that repentance is complicated. What I am saying is that, because the human heart is so vulnerable and prone to deceit, a genuine Christ follower should stay on guard that it remains a potential portal for sin. Thorough humility and repentance, as a cojoined practice, is the only method of assuring obedience to God from an otherwise wicked and deceitful heart. 

The fire simply must be kept burning!

Father, may this writing serve as a reminder to me and all who read it that we need to remain humble and repentant at all times.