In Exodus chapters 30 and 37, Moses was given specific instructions of how to build the two altars “according to pattern.” The first was the Brazen altar (the altar of burnt offering) found in Exodus chapter 30. This altar was found in the court of the Tabernacle. The second altar was the Golden altar (altar of sweet incense), found in chapter 37, positioned in the Holy Place. Though all of Israel had access to the brazen altar, only the priest could approach the golden altar.
On the Brazen Altar, blood sacrifices were sprinkled and poured out, while on the Golden Altar, sweet spices were to constantly ascend to the nostrils of God. The Brazen Altar represented the blood atonement – the acceptable sacrifice offered to God on behalf of the sins of the people. The Golden Altar represented the constant communion with God. As different as these two altars are, they are both inseparably connected together – for without the blood sacrifice, there is no communion with God.
But I want to focus on the Horns of the Altar (both the Brazen Altar and the Golden Altar). These horns sat upon all four corners of the altars. The Israelites would bring their sacrifices to the altar, and it was upon these horns that they would stick these sacrifices and they would just hang there.
It seems that the power and strength of the altars was found in the horns. This is the place where the blood was constantly found. Whenever someone desired the power of God in their lives, they would grab a hold to the Horns of the Altar.
Everything about these altars was significant. The position was significant, as the four corners represented the positioning of the 12 tribes of Israel. Its constructions was also significant, as it was made with wood and overlaid with gold. Can I just go ahead and have a fit right here?
It was on two pieces of wood (possibly a representation of both the Brazen Altar and the Golden Altar) that Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, hung and “came forth as gold tried in the fire.”
It was on Him that all our sins hang. Without that blood atonement, it is impossible for you and I to have communion with God. “Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin.” Jesus said He is “the Way, the Truth and the Life.” And my friends, “there is none other name given in heaven among men whereby we must be saved.”
No wonder, in I Kings 1:50 when Adonijah was in fear for his life from Solomon, he “went and caught hold on the horns of the altar.” I would venture to say that there are some reading this post that are in fear – in fear of failure, in fear of relationships, in fear of sickness, in fear of regret. Some may have even been in the valley for so long you simply feel that you have reached the end of your rope and there is no hope. Well, I have a sure Word from God for you – no matter who you are or even where you are. Romans 8:34 says, “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.”
HORN 1 – CHRIST DIED
He died for your sins and for my sins. He is the “once and for all” sacrifice. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Now you and I (just like the Apostle Paul) can grab a hold to the Horn that “God commended His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
HORN 2 – YEA RATHER, IS RISEN
Through His death, He led captivity captive. He has given you and I victory over death, hell and the grave, and we are now “more than conquerors.”
HORN 3 – WHO IS EVEN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD
The grave could not keep Him. God sent His Angel to “fetch Him.” And He arose, He arose, Hallelujah Christ Arose. And we can sing today “WORHTY IS THE LAMB THAT WAS SLAIN!”
HORN 4 – WHO ALSO MAKETH INTERCESSION FOR US
And every time I fail, and every time I stumble, and every time I let Him down – I know the devil runs right over and says, “Look at that ole Joe fail you again.” Then Jesus steps in and says, “Dad, I took care of that!” I’m glad that no matter where I am on this life’s journey, He has never lost sight of me. He knows right where I am and I’m glad He is my Advocate with the Father!
Some of you just need to grab a hold to these Horns.
Fighting for My Pea Patch 