Steps, Altar, Nakedness
Do not approach my altar by going up steps. If you do, someone might look up under your clothing and see your nakedness.
Exodus 20:26 (NLT)
This passage appears right after God gives the commandments to Israel. In the midst of sacred instructions, God adds this warning about the altar, the steps, and nakedness. At first glance it seems like a minor detail, but it reveals deep truths about God’s holiness, the human tendency to exalt oneself, and the reality of our fragility. The Lord teaches that His altar is not a place for self-sufficiency, pride, or appearance, but a place where His presence is manifested and where our humanity is exposed before Him.
- The altar represents the place where God is
The altar speaks of His throne, His presence, and His holiness. It is the place where He manifests Himself, where His glory is revealed, and where our lives are confronted with His purity. - The steps symbolize the human desire to “go up”
Sometimes we want to rise to positions, fame, or influence, comparing ourselves with others and seeking to ascend to be seen. Wanting to grow is not always wrong—especially when we desire to become more like Jesus. But it becomes dangerous when we seek to rise to take God’s place or believe that what we do is by our own strength and not by His grace. - Nakedness reveals shame and our imperfection
Nakedness represents our flaws, past and present sins, our broken emotions, and thoughts that still need transformation. Before God’s light we remain vulnerable, limited, and needy. As Revelation 3:17 says, without realizing it we can be naked even when we think we “have everything.” - God reminds us that we are not Him
We are not the ones who heal, deliver, or save. Everything comes from Him: the anointing, the influence, the authority, and the grace. Climbing steps toward His altar would expose our humanity and lead to pride—something God wants to prevent. - Our nakedness is covered by the grace of Christ
Even though we remain imperfect before God, He has given us new garments, cleansed us with the blood of Jesus, and keeps us in a continuous process of sanctification. This allows us to approach Him with humility, gratitude, and total dependence.
May we never attempt to climb to the place that belongs only to God. May we remember our human nakedness, but also the grace that covers us. And may we remain aware of His holiness, recognizing that He is God, and we are only His beloved children in process.
Do not approach my altar by going up steps. If you do, someone might look up under your clothing and see your nakedness.
Exodus 20:26 (NLT)
Think About It:
- In what areas do you feel the temptation to “climb steps” out of pride or comparison?
- What aspects of your life remain exposed as “nakedness” before God and need His grace?
- How can you approach God’s altar with greater humility and dependence this week?