Sanctuary
I used to call the auditorium of our church the sanctuary. I also remember hearing of certain tracts of land that are called wildlife sanctuary where various types of wildlife are safe from hunters. A sanctuary also refers to a place of refuge or asylum. I began thinking more carefully about this word several years ago. I started seeing a sanctuary quite differently. My thoughts come from the New Testament where my heart is now the place where the Lord dwells. He used to dwell in the Temple or Tabernacle (tent) with the people of Israel. Jesus came to become the Ultimate Sacrifice needed to cover sin and welcome all people into the sanctuary of God. God also dwells in each heart where He is welcomed.
1 When the Israelites escaped from Egypt—
when the family of Jacob left that foreign land—
2 the land of Judah became God’s sanctuary,
and Israel became his kingdom.
3 The Red Sea saw them coming and hurried out of their way!
The water of the Jordan River turned away.
4 The mountains skipped like rams,
the hills like lambs!
5 What’s wrong, Red Sea, that made you hurry out of their way?
What happened, Jordan River, that you turned away?
6 Why, mountains, did you skip like rams?
Why, hills, like lambs?
7 Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord,
at the presence of the God of Jacob.
8 He turned the rock into a pool of water;
yes, a spring of water flowed from solid rock.(Psalm 114:1-8 NLT)
I think often about the Presence of God. I feel His Presence in me and near me quite often. I am still awed by Him. I am still humbled by Him. I am so thankful for His Presence in me because He brings Peace with Him. I don’t call big rooms at church the sanctuary anymore, because they are simply a room where people gather to worship. God’s sanctuary is the heart of those who trust in Him. When my heart became His sanctuary, my life was completely changed. My values were adjusted to His values. My opinions were altered. My language is more kind and laced with grace. My attitude is grounded in humility. His Presence in me changes everything about me, or it certainly should.
Pressing On!
Dwayne