Noah and the altar

Genesis 8:20 Then Noah built an altar to the LORD, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar.

The LORD smelled the soothing aroma; and the LORD said to Himself, "I will never again curse the ground on account of man, for the intent of man's heart is evil from his youth; and I will never again destroy every living thing, as I have done.

"While the earth remains, Seed time and harvest, And cold and heat, And summer and winter, And day and night Shall not cease."

Noah does not appear to have any particular knowledge on the building of an altar, but it was not a "new" thing. Religious altars were part and parcel of the demise of the people of the world. Celebrating gods other than God. For until then, all it appears to say is "build an ark, get in it and get out, while taking a few people and some animals." But here is Noah building an altar. Now think about this for a moment. This is the population of the world. Right here, outside this boat. And here he could have debated about what to give, but he took from the population of the world's animals and dedicated them to the Lord. And the Lord took his praise and responded with covenant. Now we in the New Testament have a far greater covenant, but dedication to God is important today as it was then.

Noah established a memorial to God bringing them to ground safely (Do you think he might have felt forgotten at any point?) and dedicated it with praise and thanksgiving. That, honored God and brought response.

Many believe there is disaster upon the earth and that we may all perish. And yet, I am convinced that in our sacrifice to God and our praise for what He has done, God will make new plans with us and give us fresh revelation and promises.

I am building these altars to give people place of remembrance, a reminder of all that God has done. As I have read through history books by my friend David Manuel and his co-author, Peter Marshall, it is clear God has a plan for us here in America. These altars represent what God has done for us as a people. In our families, our communities and out country. I hope they will remind us of our rich heritage in Him, and call us to a daily place of sacrifice, of time and thought process, as well as a place of thanksgiving and praise.

Coming up, Abraham.