Priests, Levites, and people pledged themselves to bring wood as an offering during Nehemiah’s governorship. (Nehemiah 10:34; 13:31) An important aspect of the Sacrificial System in the Old Testament was to keep the fire burning constantly, and continuously. Every morning the officiating priest laid fresh wood upon the fire right before he presented the mandatory morning burnt offering. (Leviticus 6:12)
Festival: While Nehemiah mentions this as a ritual, Josephus states this as a festival. Though Nehemiah does not give a date for the offering calendar, Josephus mentions that was performed at set times – nine times, throughout the year. Each family was given a specific date to come and provide the offering in Nehemiah’s times.
Presence of God: God ordained continuous burning of divine fire at the altar of burnt offering. That helped the Israelites to realize the reality of God’s presence in their midst. Also reminded them that they need His presence in the world. The sacred fire burnt throughout the 40 years in the desert and during the Tabernacle worship. When Solomon’s temple was dedicated, God once again lit a fire on the altar. (II Chronicles 7:1)
Judgment of God: The fire also reminds us that God is a consuming fire. (Deuteronomy 4:24) He did not spare the sons of Aaron when they brought strange fire into God’s presence. Both Nadab and Abihu were consumed by fire. (Leviticus 10:1-2) Ananias and Sapphira were also judged by God for lying to the Holy Spirit. (Acts 5: 1-11)
Continuous worship: For the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is a call to take up the cross, die daily, to follow Him. (Luke 9:23) Paul explains that as the Living Sacrifice on the altar. (Romans 12:1) True worship is living in consistent commitment to the Lord. Like John the Baptist, disciples are called to be burning and shining light. (John 5:35)
Continuous witness: God has called His disciples to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to nooks and corners of the earth. (Acts 1:8) They should be always ready to share the reason for their hope. (I Peter 3:15)
Do I worship and witness continuously?