Matthew 23:19 (KJV)
19 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?
In this particular verse, what was given (gift) was to pass through the altar before acceptance in the temple. The word sanctify is a word meaning to consecrate and dedicate to God, to convert from a profane use to a holy one.
The altar is a place of sacrifice and prayer. It's where my selfish influences cease and the Holy Spirit's desires are manifested. The altar is a place of humbling, submission, and death to all conflict with God. A true altar experience is God's insurance policy for the right use of His gifts producing the desired effect of His glory.
The non-material gifts we possess such as the various gifts of the Spirit listed in 1st Corinthians 12 and Romans 12 along with the fivefold ministry gifts of Ephesians 4 are to pass through the altar before use. The altar experience purges self from the equation of prostituting the gift for selfish gain instead of Kingdom gain.
A healthy prayer life cannot be underestimated. It keeps the person spiritually pliable thus usable to God; it maintains the deadening of selfish perspectives from clouding the clarity of God's purposes for us. It aides the bearing of the fruit of the Spirit to create an attraction to the one who lives in us.
The altar produces unity of life. In other words, unlike the Pharisees who are referred to in the above verse, our intimate time spent in prayer dissolves the separation of life and makes us congruent in all areas of our life. Prayerlessness is evident when people become critical, judgmental, and divisive, because prayerlessness is synonymous with Godlessness. But, prayer is evidenced by love, patience, and unity in our lives, family and church.
Make it a habit when you wake up everyday to have a personal altar time with Jesus Christ and watch your effectiveness for his kingdom increase dramatically. Why, because your gifts and talents have passed through the purging of self and into God's full control.
Very true and a great read!!!
ReplyDeleteThank You, Brother Reuben,
ReplyDeleteI am blessed to have such motivated leaders at MCT and I feel privileged to attend a service where the Holy Spirit is present.. Thank You for recognizing and accepting the call of the Holy Spirit.... Anointed speaking is something that is rare and getting worse.. I am happy to help any way I can.. To God be the Glory !