“Church is supposed to be a sanctuary (not just have one.)”
-Kathy Vick
Many, many around the world entered a church sanctuary on Sunday – maybe the one time all year, being Easter and all. Did they find the sanctuary they needed? Hopefully, they were invited – not just to come again, not just to join a new social circle – but invited into soul-sanctuary: a forever-refuge from human-ills, sin sickness, loneliness.
Paul told us that if we’ve entered this eternal sanctuary, we now “house” the Spirit – we ourselves have become little temples of God. He’s graced our lives, dwelling inside 24/7, til we see Him face to face.
“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” I Corinthians 3:16
At Easter Sunday brunch, Jean and Mark provided sanctuary for Bev, widowed just 4 weeks ago. She loves their sweet boys (and they her.) A much needed refuge for Bev.
Sanctuary was at work in Grace’s courtyard as Lisa (90 and a spitfire) met new best friends over coffee and muffins (“Yes, we will pick you up for the salad supper, don’t worry…”)
Dan’s soul received refuge when a friend told him, “I will keep your boy in my prayers during his wandering. My brother wandered 9 years but came back through much prayer.”
Interesting -- none of the above happened inside the building-sanctuary
Have you received someone’s “sanctuary” for rest and respite? It doesn’t have to be at church. Have you given that same sanctuary to a fellow pilgrim?
We all need to be that shelter and retreat for one another as God’s little sanctuaries.
Even if you feel you are the one who needs it most today, if you spread your nets wider, make that call, write that note – your heart will also be refreshed. That’s how it works. Ask Jesus to help you know just what to do. He’s right there, closer than we realize—“Don’t you know…God’s Spirit lives in you?” How fun to be His refuge to those He loves.
Dear Father,
Thank You that You came to dwell in our lives. You offer the best refuge and shelter. May we know just how to give that sanctuary to one of Your children today. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment