Bible Verse

“And he put the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar, with which to carry it. He made the altar hollow, out of boards.” – Exodus 38:7

Reflection

The verse from Exodus 38:7 appears as a straightforward description of a construction task; however, when we look closely, it holds profound lessons about God’s meticulous care and the journey of faith. Exodus 38 provides detailed instructions for the building of the tabernacle and its furnishings. Each aspect is crafted with intention, representing deeper spiritual truths and the relationship between God and humanity.

The act of putting poles into rings on the altar, making it portable, signifies that our faith is not meant to be static or confined to a single place. Just like the altar, our faith is designed to be carried with us wherever we go. This reflects the reality of our spiritual journeys—our faith is meant to influence every aspect of our lives and accompany us in all environments. The portability of the altar is a testament to the dynamic and omnipresent nature of God. He is not confined to one location but is with us, always ready to guide and support us. This is comforting, knowing that in our life’s voyage, we are never alone. God travels with us, consistently demonstrating His love and grace.

Furthermore, the altar being made “hollow, out of boards” can remind us of the humility and simplicity that God values. It’s a subtle yet profound reflection on the nature of God’s kingdom—one that doesn’t rely on opulence but thrives on earnestness and sincerity. In our journey toward personal growth, we are called to empty ourselves of arrogance, making room for God’s spirit to fill us with His purpose and strength. The hollow altar teaches us that in the spaces we leave open for God, His presence becomes transformative.

In the larger picture, Exodus 38 reminds us that God’s instructions, even in the minutiae, are filled with wisdom and intentionality. Each detail resonates with a greater spiritual truth and purpose. Through this passage, we learn to appreciate the divine narrative woven throughout history, realizing that our own lives, in all their complexities, are part of this grand story. God’s love is the constant undercurrent binding everything together—fueling perseverance and hope in the face of life’s challenges. As He instructed Moses with precision, He also guides us with unerring love and understanding.

Closing Thought

Let us carry our faith like the portable altar from Exodus 38:7, bringing God’s presence into every moment and place we encounter. In the process of building our lives with humility and openness, we create space for God’s transformative love to dwell and work through us, equipping us to live as beacons of hope, grace, and compassion in the world.