What is a sanctuary? There is a large issue happening in the US over ‘sanctuary cities’ and I think we generally understand them as a place of refuge or safety. However, I think that concept gets things backwards. It is always important to look to the scriptures. What do the scriptures have to say to us about sanctuary? Let’s take a journey together, a journey into His heart.
A key mention of sanctuary is in Exodus and we can use this verse to begin our journey.
8 And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. Exodus 25:8 (NKJV)
Here Yahweh is speaking to Moses about the building of the tabernacle in the wilderness. The word sanctuary means a ‘set apart’ or ‘holy’ place. Moses, and key artisans whom Yahweh designated, built the tabernacle, the sanctuary in the wilderness. However, what made it holy was not their skilled craftsmanship or Moses obedience. What made it a holy sanctuary was Yahweh’s presence. We see what happened when all the preparations were complete.
34 Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 And Moses was not able to enter the tabernacle of meeting, because the cloud rested above it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Exodus 40:34-35 (NKJV)
The same thing happened when Solomon’s temple was complete.
1 When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. 2 And the priests could not enter the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD’S house. 2 Chronicles 7:1-2 (NKJV)
So what do these verses have to do with us and sanctuary? I believe that in this hour we both need to, and are able to, encounter and be overcome by His glory. I will go further into this but invite you to sit with Jesus and meditate on some verses from Psalms prior to going further into this in the coming weeks.
13 Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God? Psalm 77:13 (NKJV)
1 O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water. 2 So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. Psalm 63:1-2 (NKJV)
4 One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple. Psalm 27:4 (NKJV)
Show me Your Glory by Jesus Culture
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df7XEvFNX-E
I remember when I had first become a Christian at McKernan and during a worship song I felt that very cloud of God’s presence fill the sanctuary…It was such a powerful experience…one other time during prayer and worship at my house a group of us experienced the same thing.
Thanks Amanda. I think some of us feel and some of us see or smell. We have spiritual and natural senses and I think as we draw close to Him those senses are quickened or awakened. More of us need to learn to pay attention.