"Let them construct a Sanctuary for me so that I can live among them." Isn't this picture dramatic? There is the Tabernacle, with the 12 tribes encamped around it, and the pillar of fire rising from the center of the camp, a visible indication of God's presence among them.
But for that to happen, the Israelites had to start with an invitation: they had to construct the Sanctuary, the place set apart for God, for God to live among them. God came and remained among them, until Ezekiel's frightening vision of God's glory leaving the temple centuries later.
Today the Holy Spirit lives inside of Christians. I could make this evangelistic: as Jesus says in Revelation, if any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in. . .
But today what strikes me is the need to get ready. I can't kick the Holy Spirit out. He's there to stay, the down payment of eternal life.
But I can turn away from the life God calls me to live. If I'm not ready, God can't use me, His present-day Sanctuary, for the purposes of sacrifice and worship and drawing people near to God.
In the words of the praise song, Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary.
I love the picture you posted with this entry.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, "Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary."
Beverly
It is a great picture, isn't it?! Prepare me to be a sanctuary. . . I wish I could quote the whole song. :)
ReplyDeleteLord prepare me, to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true
ReplyDeleteand with thanksgiving, I'll be a living, sanctuary, oh for you.
I love the post and the song! I need to cleanse and prepare myself for the Holy Spirit to live within me!
beautiful= hey Susan you read my mind, the post and the song!
ReplyDelete