Leviticus 6: The Fire Must Not Go Out – A Call to Continual Worship

Key Verse: Leviticus 6:13 "The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out."

Leviticus 6 continues God’s instructions about sacrifices, but here, He focuses on the priests' responsibilities. One key command stands out: The fire on the altar must never go out.

This fire was first lit by God Himself (Leviticus 9:24), symbolizing His presence and continual relationship with His people. The priests were responsible for keeping it burning, showing that worship was not just an occasional event—it was a constant, daily commitment.

The Duties of the Priests

God gave specific instructions for how the priests were to maintain the sacrifices:

1. Keep the Fire Burning – Every morning, the priest had to add wood and ensure the fire never went out. (Leviticus 6:12-13)

2. Remove the Ashes – The priest would clear away the old ashes, making room for fresh offerings. (Leviticus 6:10-11)

3. Offer Daily Sacrifices – Every day, burnt offerings were placed on the altar as a continual act of worship. (Leviticus 6:9)

This teaches us that worship is not just about a single experience—it’s about continually offering ourselves to God.

Jesus: The Ultimate Priest and Sacrifice

Leviticus 6 points us to Jesus, who fulfills both the role of the priest and the sacrifice itself:

• Jesus is the true High Priest – Unlike the Levitical priests who had to offer sacrifices daily, Jesus offered Himself once for all. (Hebrews 7:27)

• His sacrifice never needs to be repeated – The priests had to offer daily burnt offerings, but Jesus' sacrifice is perfect and eternal. (Hebrews 10:12)

• He ignites a fire within us – Through the Holy Spirit, He sets our hearts ablaze with passion for God. (Luke 24:32)

A Lesson for Us

• Is the fire of worship still burning in our lives, or have we let it grow cold?

• Are we making room for fresh encounters with God by removing spiritual "ashes"—things that hinder our relationship with Him?

• Are we daily offering our time, hearts, and devotion to Him, not just on Sundays but every day?

Leviticus 6 reminds us that true worship is ongoing. Just as the fire on the altar could not go out, our passion for God must remain alive.

Are we tending the fire of our faith today?