– But Am “I” Faithfully Building God a Sanctuary?

This is a “food for thought” post. Bare with me for a little ground work:

““Have the people of Israel build me a holy sanctuary so I can live among them.” – NLT

“Let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. [Heb. 8:1, 2; 10:1.]” – AMPC

“Salvation is God’s grand design for recovering His original plan: God tabernacling with man!” …According to the Word of God, the plan is working!” Jack Hayford

“Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a minister in the sanctuary and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man.” – Hebrews 8:1-2 NASB1995

“Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.” – 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 NASB1995

“For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near.” – Hebrews 10:1 NASB1995

We are the tabernacle (temple) of God who desires to DWELL among us. The question is, are we living it? Are we living in such a way that our God is finding SANCTUARY in His Temple? Are we a dwelling place for Him, set up and made ready for His comfort, supply, and security? Does He find a restful sanctuary in us? To aid our thought, let’s get Merriam-Websters help.

Dwell – to remain for a time; to live as a resident; exist in; lie in; to keep the attention directed —used with on or upon; to speak or write insistently —used with on or upon.

Synonym: Abide – to bear patiently : TOLERATE; to endure without yielding : WITHSTAND; to wait for : AWAIT; to accept without objection; to remain stable or fixed in a state; to continue in a place : SOJOURN.

Sanctuary – a consecrated place: such as the ancient Hebrew temple at Jerusalem or its holy of holies; the most sacred part of a religious building (such as the part of a Christian church in which the altar is placed); the room in which general worship services are held. A place of refuge and protection.

Synonym: Refuge – shelter or protection from danger or distress; a place that provides shelter or protection; something to which one has recourse in difficulty.

“The re- in refuge means basically “back” or “backward” rather than “again;” thus, a refugee is someone who is “fleeing backward”. Refuge tends to appear with certain other words: you generally “seek refuge”, “take refuge”, or “find refuge”. Religion may be a refuge from the woes of your life; a beautiful park may be a refuge from the noise of the city; and your bedroom may be a refuge from the madness of your family.” Merriam-Webster dictionary

I would add: A sanctuary is a safe place; a quiet place; a peaceful place; a restful place. A place where dwelling there is desired; a desirable abode – place of abiding. A storehouse that meets my needs. The place I most want to be.

God Himself is our Sanctuary, our Refuge, our Dwelling place, our Secret Place; our Hiding Place; a place where every supply is found for us to prepare for and live out of, so we can go and live Him in the earth, then return to find our refuge and rest, and to restock for the next outing.

As one with Him in Christ, does God find a sanctuary in which to dwell within and through us? Are we a place where He can find quiet, peace, joy, rejoicing, repose, and refreshing? Are we a place where He can rest, hide His treasures, and store His supply for safekeeping and good use? Can He dwell here and work out of us as a secure, well stocked, home base? Are we a peaceful place, rested in Him so He can find His rest in us?

I feel secure in God, knowing He loves me unconditionally. Though He will definitely sweep, mop, and dust me out, He will never leave nor forsake me. Does He find unconditional love and acceptance in me that will never desert Him? Am I at peace in His Presence, accepting of His Who; at peace with His living in, with, and out of me?

I find no fault in Him. He is a comfortable place for me as He keeps Himself Holy. Do I cooperate with Him as He makes Himself comfortable in me, making me Holy as He is Holy? Do I want to be?

As I am with Him and He with me, can others experience this Holy Sanctum with my God and me when they come near? Do they find peace and acceptance, encouragement and inspiration that inspires them to tabernacle with God?

Enjoy this day, this journey, Brothers and Sisters, wholeheartedly trusting “…that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6 NASB1995

Now, let’s construct a Tabernacle Sanctuary for our God, shall we!