Observation: These things are really about my heart. The emphasis in Exodus has been on the glory and holiness of God. As He was creating a nation for himself, God made it clear that his holiness is such that we must address him and meet with him rightly. Anything less is going to be an offense to his being.
Why not use tools on the stones of the alter? I think because, frankly, any effort on my part to create something that depicts God or that somehow enhances the offering that is brought by beautifying the alter would fall (infinitely) short of displaying God or would be distracting and, like he said, be an occasion for sin.
Building stairs is the same. My "nakedness" is shown by my effort to enhance my offering by unnaturally raising myself to give my offering. Give the offering "down on the ground" where I actually am (spiritually speaking).
Application: God is more honored by my humble repentance and confession of sin than by an empty but pretty presentation (Prov. 20:3; Ps. 51:16, 17). Remember why I am doing things in service to God and in the "living sacrifice" things that I do during my day. Then only will it really be an offering and glory to God.
Prayer: Father, I think I make such efforts to enhance appearances because I so often feel the weight of sin-guilt and my true humbled state. I try to hide it or to make restitution. But all that is just another offense to you because Jesus has already paid that debt. May I rest in what you have done through Jesus. I love you. Amen.
