Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
When you hear the word Sanctuary what comes to mind? Do you think of a church, such as Immanuel and the place where we come to worship God? It is a sanctuary and a dwelling place for God. A place for us to come together as a community of faith to pray, worship and give thanks to God for all that He has done for us through our Savior, Jesus Christ. But at the same time, we must remember that we can’t contain God.
We need to think about this whole world as God’s Sanctuary. For He created this world with His hands. A place for us to live, dwell, and worship Him. We need to take time out of our busy lives and really live, dwell, and worship our God in His Sanctuary. I have been trying to take time and go for a hike along the water or in the woods. To really be in His Sanctuary.
When I do that, I find a peace, a peace that only can come from God.
I take a look around at all the wonder. God created this and dwells in it. Look at the vibrant colors and how everything has it’s place. How the water and land come together. How the plants and animals react to their surroundings. Their Sanctuary. It is a Holy Place. And if you close your eyes, you can hear the wind, the waves lapping on the shore, the leaves and grasses sway in the breeze. You might even hear the buzzing of a bee or the fluttering of wings of birds or dragonflies. With your eyes still closed take in a deep breath and smell the freshness of the air. You will feel the presence of God.
Have you ever thought of your body as a living Sanctuary? Well, it is. God created you and I; our bodies are a Sanctuary and He dwells in us. He gave us breath. Sometimes we don’t always treat our bodies as a Sanctuary. We take it for granted.
All of these things are God’s Sanctuary. We are called to take care of God’s Sanctuary and dwell within it with Him. The concept of the Lord’s Sanctuary holds a significant place in biblical theology, representing the dwelling place of God among His people. It is a central theme throughout the Scriptures, symbolizing God’s presence, holiness, and the means by which He communes with humanity.
May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding be with you always.
God’s Blessings,
Pastor Gary
“For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made by human hands, a mere copy of the true one, but he entered into heaven himself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.”
Hebrews 9:24