The Brazen Altar and Laver—First Steps Toward God
Title: The Brazen Altar and Laver—First Steps toward God
Series: Foregleams of Christ in the Old Testament
Text: “ And thou shalt make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad. . . . Make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein ” (Ex. 27:1; 30:18).
Scripture Reading: Exodus 27:1–8; 30:17–21
Introduction
Last week in our study we stood before the awesome, white-curtained fence that surrounded the courtyard in which that unusual tent of worship stood. We saw that the pure, white linen that formed the fence represented the righteousness of God. And we also saw that it was this perfection and holiness that kept sinful people away from God.
I. The Brazen Altar
The first object we encounter as we enter the courtyard is the brazen altar, the place of sacrifice. The brazen altar foreshadowed the cross on which Christ shed his blood for the sins of the world (Ex. 27:1–2).
A. This impressive altar was seven and a half feet square, standing four and a half feet high. On the hot coals of the altar lay the sacrificial lamb, which had been slain and was being offered as a burnt offering to God for the sins of the people. The lamb being sacrificed represents the Lord Jesus Christ, who shed his blood and gave his life that our sins might be forgiven.
B. Let’s look a bit more closely at this altar itself. It was made of wood and covered with brass. Brass, in the Old Testament, was considered the most fire-resistant of all metals. In fact, the brass of the Old Testament probably was closer to our copper than it was to the brass we know today. Brass represents the fierceness of God’s wrath against sin.
C. The altar stood flat on the desert sand in the courtyard. It was not on some high, exalted place. There were no steps to climb, leading up to it. It was right on the ground, level with sinful humans. This was not true of pagan altars on which sacrifices were made to false gods. They were always in high places, with steep, ascending steps, making it difficult for people to reach them.
Thus, the brazen altar could be approached with no effort. There were no steps up to the altar—no “stepping stones” to Christ, no “good works” required in order to be saved. We come to God just as we are. God meets us at the point of our need and there provides complete salvation.
II. The Laver, or Basin
Having identified with the spotless lamb being offered as a sacrifice on the altar, we proceed to the only other piece of furniture in the courtyard that stands between us and the tabernacle. It is the laver, or the washing basin (Ex. 30:18–21).
A. Where did Moses get the brass for making the laver? Exodus 38:8 says that he made it “of the looking glasses of the women.” Mirrors of that time were made of polished brass. We shall refer to this fact and its significance later in the study.
The laver is the “second step” in our progress toward God’s presence. It is a type of the Word of God. Paul teaches us that the Word of God is like water. As we read and study it, we are “washed” and cleansed. The Word of God has a purifying and cleansing effect on us.
The Word of God is compared with a mirror. James tells us that as we look into these Scriptures, we “behold ourselves as a man looking in a mirror.” God’s Word shows us what we are. It reveals the progress we are making—or are not making. So we see our need of daily washing in the Word of God. Every day we commit sins, either of omission or of commission. We must daily seek God’s forgiveness for these sins.
B. The New Testament has a remarkable comparison. John 13 contains the account of the Last Supper, the Feast of the Passover. After the Passover meal was finished, Jesus arose, took a towel and a basin of water, and began to wash the disciples’ feet. What was he doing? He was fulfilling the type of the laver! The feet represent the daily walk, during which we come in contact with the dirt and dust of the earth.
Furthermore, we encounter daily defilement from temptation and sin.
It is between the brazen altar and the laver, which represents daily consecration, that many believers stop growing spiritually. They do not read and study God’s Word.
Conclusion
Peter objected to Christ washing his feet, suggesting that he needed washing all over. Jesus said to him, “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me” (John 13:8). He was talking about fellowship and growth. Perhaps you have not gone past the altar, the cross. You have problems with temptation and sin in your life. Your thoughts wander into areas where they should not be. You need to advance to the laver, the place of washing. You need to look in the “mirror” of the Word of God and receive daily cleansing as you read and study its message.