I slowly walked up the aisle, my eyes on the deep red carpet below. Each step marked off the pathway to the familiar pew where my family sat each Sunday. Not looking where I was going, I almost bumped into my brother not one small step ahead. He genuflected, which caused me to stop my daydreaming and look up. In that moment, I saw with clearer eyes than before the altar surrounded by the communion rail. And somehow I understood a little more why the sanctuary was sacred.
Deep reverence and respect were expected by all when approaching the sanctuary. Silence, as well as, a deep genuflection were outward signs for recognizing God’s presence. I believe I understood just a little bit of the hype and holiness as I waited for my brother to sit down. Looking up allowed my eyes to catch the large crucifix where Christ hung. As a seven-year-old, I began to form my own ideas of sanctuary. Since then, I know the words, safe, holy, and sacred are still words I use to describe sanctuary.
In Hebrews, we learn more about the sanctuary.
For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. Hebrews 9:24
Growing up in church, I was taught that Jesus’ presence is in the sanctuary. I understand now the reason for the outward signs of reverence when approaching the sanctuary. But as an adult, I know Jesus is present everywhere. There is not just one place where we go to find the presence of God.
There are days I seek the sacred. A place that feels safe but also where I can sit with God without interruption. Where I can dig into the deep and hear from God. A place that renews my spirit and calls my heart to embrace the love of God which I know is mine. But when I look for the quiet place, I ultimately know it is wherever and whenever I invite God into my day. The actual place becomes irrelevant and instead, the focus is completely on God.
It is in the seeking and invitation we enter into God’s presence. His will is made complete when we sit with Him in our sacred place. Sanctuary is no longer just the place in church surrounded by a communion rail. It is everywhere we seek the presence of Jesus.
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Nehemiah, when he heard of the plight of his people in Jerusalem began to weep.But then he called on the Lord.
Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” Nehemiah 1:11
May I be quick to turn to Jesus and enter into His presence when faced with any life situations. And may my heart hear the truth of God’s promises as I look to Him for provision.
Sabbath blessings,
Photo by Michael D Beckwith on Unsplash
Yes, Jesus is our Sanctuary, wherever it may be. This reminds me of how the veil of the temple into the Holy of Holies was torn asunder. Jesus opened the way to give us entrance into God’s Holy Presence. Now Jesus Himself is our Sanctuary. So amazing. Thank you, Mary, for your encouragement. Love and hugs to you!
I appreciate the reference to the veil of the temple. I had not thought of that as I was writing this post. Jesus is our way to the Father and it is in Him we find sanctuary. I love your insight today. Thank you for being here.
Hi Mary! I’m a Catholic, so I completely understand your transition from seeing the sacred on the altar, and then to your everyday. It’s a wonderful journey, isn’t it?
I so agree that where we allow Jesus into our lives, that’s where a sanctuary is created. He is always there…but do I allow him in? That’s the real challenge in my daily life.
God blessings on your path to your daily sanctuary!
Ceil
I grew up Catholic and learned early on the reverence and respect that was expected when approaching the sanctuary. I will never forget my first communion. It was such a sacred experience for me.
I love that God continues to teach me and how He wants me to know He is present everywhere. Such a wonderful truth that when we know it, we can call on God at anytime. Thank you for joining me here today!
We’re all longing for sanctuary, aren’t we, Mary … the permanent kind that stays with us, that offers us mercy and strength and hope.
Jesus. Coming to Him, hiding in His love, accepting His grace.
He is our sacred sanctuary.
Praise God …
Yes, we are! I believe as I get older it is an even bigger desire. When you have lived so much life, your perspective changes and grows. May we all know that Jesus is our sacred sanctuary. Blessings and hugs to you!
Such true words Mary. Our sanctuary with Jesus can be anywhere. I grew up too, seeing the sanctuary as a very holy place where I needed to follow rules to respect it. I think it is also why I still crave reference, quiet in churches! Inviting God into all our spaces can make all our spaces holy and reverent…I hadn’t seen it that way. Thanks for your wise words today!
I love the reverence of the sanctuary and also crave the deep quiet in churches. It always helps me to prepare myself to be with God. I pray you find the quiet when you invite God to be with you. I also am in awe how God takes my foundational beliefs and continues to grow them.
Beautiful Mary,
We enter the Sanctuary in order to be sanctified – or set apart, by grace, to be holy. This can happen in Christ’s presence whether the sanctuary is a Gothic cathedral or an SUV. Always love your Sabbath blessings,
Always,
Bev xx
Thank you! Your insight each week also is a wonderful addition to this community. I like how you said we enter the Sanctuary to be sanctified. Those words provided such a beautiful picture of how holy it is every time we enter into God’s presence. Blessed as always to have you here.
Thank you for the reminder and encouragement to seek Him first when faced with life’s situations, sweet friend. As you pointed out, we don’t have to wait until we can get to the altar or a confession booth. He is present with us, we can call on Him at any time. Blessings on your Sabbath, Mary!
There is something so reassuring in knowing that God is everywhere. And because of this truth we just need to call His name when we need Him. What a beautiful blessing. I pray you are well and are enjoying the new year!
Thank you for these good words today, Mary. They remind me of the old chorus from the 80s, “Lord please make me to be a sanctuary, pure & holy, tried & true.” He is already here within us, and His Presence is what makes us to be that holy place. Blessings to you!
You’re welcome! What a blessing that God brought to mind that old hymn. There are so many times an old hymn comes to mind when I study God’s Word. I find that God wants to leave us hints in so many different ways. May we know and embrace that God is everywhere. Blessings and hugs!
These words are a Sabbath blessing, Mary, and I love your focus on that one word that we’ve somehow compartmentalized into church architecture when God is not captured within any building made by human hands.
Thank you for your kind words. I love how God has taken me on this journey of going deeper in my understanding of Him. He takes my early foundation of church and continues to grow it as I invite Him into my life. Your words always encourage me to go deeper in my writing too.