The Altar of the Court

In Exodus 27, the tabernacle is surrounded by a barrier, and just beyond the entrance stands a large altar. Any view of the dwelling place of God is blocked by the constant smoke of a burning sacrifice. Access is restricted. It comes one way, and only through a costly sacrifice.

This chapter presses against our sense of entitlement and forces us to reckon honestly with sin, holiness, and ultimately the offense of the cross.