“Now Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, ‘Keep the whole commandment that I command you today. And on the day you cross over the Jordan to the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall set up large stones and plaster them with plaster. And you shall write on them all the words of this law, when you cross over to enter the land that the Lord your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you. And when you have crossed over the Jordan, you shall set up these stones, concerning which I command you today, on Mount Ebal, and you shall plaster them with plaster. And there you shall build an altar to the Lord your God, an altar of stones. You shall wield no iron tool on them; you shall build an altar to the Lord your God of uncut stones. And you shall offer burnt offerings on it to the Lord your God, and you shall sacrifice peace offerings and shall eat there, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God. And you shall write on the stones all the words of this law very plainly.’” Deuteronomy 27:1-8
On the day you arrive. God knew first things became first things, and that establishing a healthy order in practice would imprint the priority on the heart. Set up large stones. Inscribe My word. Make offerings. Remember Me.
When Israel entered the long-anticipated promised land there would be much to see and investigate and do. Distraction and duties would beckon and entice. But there must be a primary work and focus, and from that all else would flow. God’s word must be inscribed in their minds and impressed on their hearts, established as the lens through which they saw and went about their new life. And He must continually be acknowledged as LORD: Lord of matter, Lord of rules, Lord of life. This would make a land of blessing. (Deuteronomy 28:1-6,9)
For us, we are to make a place, establish a time, location, commitment where we will meet with our God. It likely won’t be a stone altar or even a same set space, but it can be a consistent habit, a guarded pledge to a time away from the tools and tasks of day to day toward God’s word and ways. It should be a focused time of soaking in His truths and surrender to His will. (Romans 12:1-2)
Where is our immovable stone altar? What space have we determined, apart from the tools of media and outside voices, to receive God’s indelible word and meditate on it? How much of ourselves do we offer each day, and what has been His return? We will not experience the promised blessings of obedience until we do our part.
Lord, keep me faithful to my altar of devotion fixed on Christ the Cornerstone. May Your established pattern and promises be my lifeline and joy, that You are exalted and Your grace be made known. (Isaiah 28:16)
As the rain and snow 