In Exodus 40:6, the Lord commands Moses, saying, "And thou shalt set the altar of the burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation." This seemingly simple instruction holds profound significance for our understanding of worship, sacrifice, and the very nature of approaching God.

### The Altar and Its Purpose

The altar of burnt offering was not just a piece of furniture; it was the central point where the people of Israel could come to offer sacrifices to God. Positioned at the entrance of the tabernacle, it served as a visible reminder that approaching God required preparation and submission. The altar was a place of transformation, symbolizing both the cost of sin and the grace of God.

In the ancient world, an altar represented a meeting place between God and man. The sacrifices laid upon it were not mere rituals but profound acts of faith. Each burnishing flame lifted up prayers of confession, gratitude, and dependence upon God. It is at this altar that the Israelites would lay their burdens, acknowledging their need for atonement and reconciliation with the Holy One.

Today, as New Testament believers, the altar has taken on a new shape. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross fulfills and surpasses the requirements of the burnt offerings in the Old Testament. Hebrews 10:12 tells us, "But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God." Jesus becomes our sacrificial altar, and through Him, we have unhindered access to the Father.

### The Doorway to God

The placement of the altar "before the door of the tabernacle" is significant. It highlights that sacrifice must precede access to the presence of God. The door symbolizes the entrance to communion with Him, and sacrifice is the bridge that allows us to cross from the realm of sin into His holiness. Just as the Israelites were reminded that their approach to God was possible only through the sacrifice made on the altar, we too must recognize that we come to God not through our own righteousness but because of the once-and-for-all sacrifice of Jesus.

Before entering the tabernacle – the dwelling place of God – one must first acknowledge the cost of sin. In our own lives, this can be a humbling experience. We often desire to experience God's presence, His peace, and His love without truly coming to terms with what it means to be laid bare before Him. The altar calls us to remember Christ's sacrifice and to reckon with our own sinfulness.

### A Call to Worship and Reflection

Understanding this, we are encouraged, rather than discouraged, by the altar's presence. It becomes a symbol of hope rather than fear. When we come in humility and repentance, we find that the blood of Christ covers our sin, and we are welcomed into the presence of God with open arms. It beckons us to a deeper relationship with Him, one marked by continual surrender and joy.

In everyday life, how often do we stand before our own proverbial altars? Do we approach them with reverence and recognize the gravity of our sins? Or do we treat our access to God casually, forgetting the price that was paid? We should take time in silence, perhaps at a physical altar in our churches, or even in our personal prayer spaces at home, to reflect on what it truly means to sacrifice and to open our hearts to God.

### Conclusion

As we stand before the altar of our lives, may we renew our commitment to worship with purity of heart, bringing our sacrifices—our regrets, dreams, and prayers—to God. In doing so, we not only honor the sacrifice of Jesus but deepen our communion with the Father. The altar is not an end but a means, a pathway that leads us into the fullness of God's presence. Let us embrace this journey of worship, understanding that it begins with a heart inclined towards sacrifice.