SANCTUARY: GOD’S PRESENCE
However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says: “Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me, says the Lord, or where will My resting place be? Has not My hand made all these things?”
Acts 7:48-50 (NIV)
In Scripture, the word sanctuary means a sacred place. It’s a place made holy by God's presence. A sanctuary is any place where God is.
During the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, God instructed Moses to build a portable tent, the Tabernacle, as a visible dwelling for the presence of God. It was a reminder of God’s covenant with Israel and emphasized that God was with His people even during their wandering. The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest containing the Ten Commandments, was housed within the Tabernacle. God and His Word were with them as they traveled. After the Israelites settled in the Promised Land, King Solomon built a magnificent temple in Jerusalem, a permanent and grander structure than the Tabernacle. It was a declaration to the nations that God was with His people.
The temple, however, wasn’t the only place God existed. He was and is everywhere. He cannot be contained. He is not in any house built by human hands. He is not confined to a church building. He always has been and always will be everywhere. Moses encountered God in the middle of the desert (Exodus 3:1-15). Samuel heard God’s voice in bed (Samuel 3:10). Daniel’s sanctuary for God was in his home (Daniel 6:10). Jesus was with God on a mountain (Luke 9:28), in an olive grove (Mark 14:32), and at a dinner table with friends (Mark 2:13-17). Paul found holy ground in prison (Acts 16:25).
Today’s passage is amazingly good news. All of creation is God's sanctuary. We can encounter Him anytime, anywhere. We are, at all times and in every way, living in the sanctuary of God.
APPLICATION: Consider today that God is with you wherever you go. Pray while you’re driving. Pray while you’re eating. Be open to God’s Spirit while changing a diaper or in a board meeting. Let’s open our eyes and make ourselves available to the God who is everywhere.
PRAYER: God, sometimes I go about my day and forget You’re with me. The places I go and the things I do have, in some ways, become mundane and ordinary. Help me experience Your presence all day today. May I see all of life as sacred because You are here. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?