Sanctuary
And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.
Exodus 25:8 NKJ
The word “sanctuary” brings thoughts of a very private place. A quiet place where you can hear your own thoughts and listen for God’s. The world is entirely shut out. You could be in a beautiful cathedral, or see a breath-taking view, or be in the quietness of your own room and feel you were in God’s sanctuary. You were in His presence.
In Exodus 25:8, God tells of His desire to dwell among His people; to be part of everyday life. We can outshout that inner voice and relationship with the Creator of the universe by merely not paying any attention to Him. We close our hearts to Him. It is as though we set fire to the sanctuary that dwells within our heart.
In April 2019, the French gothic Cathedral of Norte Dame burned in France. TV showed the giant flames consuming the 850-year-old sanctuary where so many people from so many nations had worshipped. Debris and dark smoke covered the inside of the Cathedral. But then through the dark smoke, the golden cross in back of the choir loft glistened. It was as though God was saying; even in the darkest moments of your life. “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5. “If anyone loves Me (Jesus), he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” John 14:23
What a great God we have! He offers to dwell in our inner sanctuary where we may fellowship with Him. He is ready to give us a new heart and a new spirit.
The Lord of hosts, Him you shall hallow…
Isaiah 8:13-14
He will be as a sanctuary.
Because of Jesus.
