Unity Before Presence

In scripture, Elijah rebuilt the altar with 12 stones, even though the nation was divided. God was declaring that his altar does not recognize division. At his altar, there's no righteous side and unrighteous side, no historical grievance that justifies separation. God was restoring his covenant identity to the people. He was saying Israel is still Israel. God does not send His fire to divided altars. He restores unity before He reveals His presence. The altar of the Lord is a place where labels fall away, and it's God who defines who belongs. If God's rebuilding something in your life today, He may be first addressing division that you've learned to live with. Let Him decide in your heart who His people are and where it is that His presence rests. Talk to God about it. It's time to pray.