Throughout the ages, humanity has wrestled with questions regarding the sovereignty and omniscience of God. Such questions are not uncommon today. The desire to find meaningful answers continues. In a fallen, sin-stricken, and broken world, tragedies and atrocities are common events. Evil, ungodliness, pride, and wickedness have become rampant and prosperous. As a result, many are losing their grip on hope and purpose, while others are drowning in despair or relinquishing their belief in the power and knowledge of God.
The psalmist ascribes to such cognition: “But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked… Behold, these are the ungodly, who are always at ease; They increase in riches. Surely, I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence. For all day long, I have been plagued and chastened every morning. If I had said, ‘I will speak thus,’ Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of your children. When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me— Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end” (Psalms 73:2-3, 12-17, NKJV).
The psalmist declares that he found understanding when he went into the sanctuary of God. The sanctuary was a physical location where God’s presence was clearly seen. In their journey to the promised land, the Israelites were given the sanctuary system as the visible promise and assurance of God’s indwelling. The sanctuary was the focal place where hope, peace, love, forgiveness, reverence, and reconciliation were imbued, pointing to the full work and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
The concept of sanctuary is still relevant today on a personal level. God commanded Moses to build a sanctuary as God’s place of dwelling among the people. Today, God invites us to be a sanctuary. Our heart is the space where God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit long to dwell. As we accept this invitation, God who works in us to will and to act coordinates in fulfilling God’s purpose. It is through this knowledge that we take intentional steps to follow and practice acts of ordained life, outpouring, shining, and reflecting virtues of goodness, love, patience, and forgiveness.
The apostle Paul strongly urges us to “offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is our true and proper worship” (Romans 12:1).
Worship encompasses all affairs of our lives, through which God longs to pour love and care. It also provides meaning, purpose, hope, assurance, and lasting peace to all who are perplexed and seeking as they tread the faithful journey heavenward. This is the ultimate essence of being a sanctuary – pointing all to the author and finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ.
Bereket Data loves his beautiful family and has been a member here at La Sierra for more than 10 years.