The Altar of Promise
Genesis 8:20–22 (NASB95)
20Then 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. 21The 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. 22“While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, And cold and heat, And summer and winter, And day and night Shall not cease.”
After the flood, Noah’s first act was to build an altar and offer burnt offerings from clean animals and birds. This act of worship acknowledges GOD as Creator and Savior. It is the first explicit mention of an altar in Genesis, setting a pattern for worship and sacrifice that continues throughout Scripture. Noah’s sacrifice was an act of mediation between sinful humanity and a holy GOD. The “pleasing aroma” that rose to GOD’s nostrils signified acceptance and favor. In response, GOD promised never again to curse the ground or destroy all living creatures by flood. This promise marks a new phase in GOD’s relationship with creation, emphasizing both judgment and mercy.
The offering of sacrifices by Noah foreshadows the priestly role the church now carries. Like Noah, the church acts as a mediator between a holy GOD and a fallen world. Our prayers rise as a “pleasing aroma” before GOD, just as described in Revelation, where the prayers of the saints are pictured as incense offered continually before the throne. Prayer is not merely communication but a spiritual sacrifice that intercedes for the community and aligns us with GOD’s mission.
The church today must embrace its calling as a mediator for the world. Just as Noah’s sacrifice stood between GOD’s judgment and mercy, our prayers stand in the gap for our communities. We offer spiritual sacrifices through worship and intercession, bringing the needs of the world before a holy GOD. This role is vital in a world marked by brokenness and violence. The church’s faithful mediation through prayer supports GOD’s redemptive work and invites His blessing. Let us never forget that we participate in GOD’s mission by standing as a holy people who intercede, worship, and proclaim His grace to all.