Introduction
The life of a disciple is marked by two powerful symbols throughout Scripture: the altar and the tent. These two elements appear consistently in the journeys of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and Israel as a nation. Each time they built altars and dwelt in tents, they revealed a spiritual truth that remains relevant for every disciple today. The altar represents worship, sacrifice, and devotion to God, while the tent represents pilgrimage, dependence, and the temporary nature of earthly life. To live faithfully as disciples, we must carry both the altar and the tent in our walk with God.
1. The Altar: A Place of Worship and Surrender
When Abram was called out of his father’s house, he obeyed God’s voice and traveled to an unknown land. Wherever he went, he built an altar to the Lord.
“From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD.” (Genesis 12:8, NIV)
The altar was never about the stones or the wood—it was about the heart of worship and surrender. At the altar, Abram declared that the Lord was his God. The altar was his first priority; before he built houses, before he secured land, before he sought comfort, he built altars.
As disciples, the altar symbolizes:
- Worship: Putting God first in all things (Matthew 6:33).
- Sacrifice: Offering ourselves daily to God (Romans 12:1).
- Communion: Meeting with God and calling upon His name (Psalm 116:17).
Every disciple must carry an altar in the heart. It may not be made of stones, but it is expressed in prayer, fasting, obedience, and complete devotion. Without the altar, the tent loses meaning.
2. The Tent: A Symbol of Pilgrimage and Dependence
In contrast to the altar, the tent was a temporary dwelling. Abram, Isaac, and Jacob all lived in tents, even though God had promised them the land.
“By faith Abraham made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.” (Hebrews 11:9, NIV)
The tent reminds us that we are pilgrims and strangers in this world (1 Peter 2:11). This earth is not our permanent home. Like Abraham, we look forward to a city with foundations, whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10).
The tent teaches us humility and dependence. It whispers to our hearts: “Do not hold tightly to this world’s possessions, for they are temporary.” A disciple is never too attached to the comforts of life, but lives ready to move when God commands.
3. The Altar and the Tent Together
The power is not in the altar alone, nor in the tent alone, but in the balance of both. If you have an altar without a tent, you risk building a permanent life here, forgetting that this world is not your home. If you have a tent without an altar, you may live as a wanderer without divine direction.
Together, the altar and the tent declare:
- “I live as a pilgrim in this world” (tent).
- “But my life belongs wholly to the Lord” (altar).
This was the secret of Abraham’s walk with God. He never built a palace, but he always built an altar. He never settled permanently, but he always carried God’s presence.
4. Lessons for the Disciple Today
(a) Worship Before Comfort
Many pursue comfort before worship. But Abraham built altars before tents. As disciples, we must always place worship, prayer, and devotion before material success or personal comfort.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33, NIV)
(b) Live as Pilgrims
The tent reminds us not to be overly attached to earthly possessions. Houses, cars, money, and achievements are temporary.
“For this world in its present form is passing away.” (1 Corinthians 7:31, NIV)
The disciple who forgets the tent may start living as though this world is all there is. But the tent whispers that heaven is our true home.
(c) The Meeting of Faith and Action
The altar is faith expressed in worship, and the tent is faith expressed in lifestyle. True discipleship combines both—our hearts worship the Lord, and our lives testify that we belong to another Kingdom.
5. The Altar and the Tent in Jesus Christ
Jesus Himself lived the perfect example of altar and tent. His life was one of complete surrender (altar) and pilgrimage (tent).
- He said: “Not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42, NIV) — this is the altar.
- He declared: “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” (Matthew 8:20, NIV) — this is the tent.
As disciples of Jesus, we follow in His footsteps. We surrender our will on the altar and embrace the tent of pilgrimage, knowing that our eternal home is in the Father’s house (John 14:2).
6. Building Altars in Our Generation
Building an altar today means:
- Prayer altars: Setting aside consistent times of prayer.
- Word altars: Feeding daily on Scripture.
- Obedience altars: Choosing God’s will above personal desire.
- Sacrificial altars: Giving generously of time, energy, and resources to God’s work.
Wherever a disciple goes, there must be evidence of an altar. Just as Abraham’s altars marked his journey, our devotion should mark every stage of our lives.
7. Dwelling in Tents Today
Living in tents today means:
- Detachment from worldliness: Refusing to be enslaved by possessions.
- Readiness to move with God: Obeying whenever God leads in new directions.
- Heavenly focus: Keeping our eyes fixed on eternity.
The disciple who carries a tent lives lightly on earth but heavily in heaven.
Conclusion
The altar and the tent are not just relics of Old Testament history; they are timeless symbols of the disciple’s journey. The altar reminds us to worship, surrender, and remain in communion with God. The tent reminds us that we are pilgrims and strangers here, seeking a city whose builder is God.
Let us, therefore, live daily at the altar of devotion while dwelling in the tent of pilgrimage. For in doing so, we follow the footsteps of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and ultimately Jesus Christ, who showed us that true discipleship is both sacrifice and journey, worship and pilgrimage, altar and tent.
“For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.” (Hebrews 13:14, NIV)