Unexpected Sanctuary
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We're not told what Jesus did in that outdoor sanctuary, but it's clear that when the time ended, he was committed to his mission of proclaiming his gospel more than ever.
A sanctuary, no matter what form it takes, is a place where one should experience interior change. Among the changes? A reminder of the beauty and love of God, a fresh realization of one's brokenness, a host of things to be thankful for, a chance to give from the fruits of one's labor, an experience of deep prayer and the sense that God has heard, and a time to hear the reading of Holy Scripture and feel it planting its powerful content in one's soul.
Many of us enter sanctuaries tired or disappointed or angry or fearful or lonely. Others enter with appreciations for loving relationships, life-blessings, and a desire to deepen or grow. But the thing of greatest importance is how do we leave? Redirected, newly focused? Having experienced grace and forgiveness? Appreciative of the people we've been with? Freshly committed to Jesus?
Then, whether we sat on pews, arena seats, a dirt floor, or a crowded bus, makes little difference. We have worshiped and God himself has been with us.
Gordon MacDonald is editor at large of Leadership Journal and chancellor of Denver Seminary.
Copyright © 2011 by the author or Christianity Today/Leadership Journal.
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Gordon MacDonald is chancellor of Denver Seminary and editor-at-large for Leadership Journal. He is author of numerous books, including Going Deep: Becoming A Person of Influence.
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Carol
I have often declared my home to be a sanctuary, set apart for God's purposes as I minister prayer counsel to those who come for help or a listening ear. Now I am discovering that even casual visitors comment about the peace they feel here. Maintaining my home as a place where the Presence of God is welcomed is of high value to me, and is thus a refuge to others.
Jun Gerra
I find the article enlightening.Wherever the presence of God is, its a holy place.Our God is an omnipresent God but its us the believers of the Lord Jesus, the light bearers of this world that carries also the presence of God even to the darkest place of this world.That place becomes a sanctuary of God bringing His very presence and grace into that place.It takes more than the eyes to appreciate the beauty that God has made.Yes even the most mundane place where our feet takes us becomes a sanctuary of Gods presence when we allow God's love to manifest.When we bring God's love to the hopeless,discouraged,downtrodden, the sick and lost people that very place where these people abound becomes God's sanctuary.I really hope and pray that we will see with our spiritual eyes the beauty of God even in the very dark alleys of our paths and transform this into God's very sanctuary where His love and grace abounds.
Krista Austin
I, too, remember Urbana. I still have a fondness for Romans because of John Stott's meaty Bible teaching. Then there was the midnight communion service with Billy Graham issuing a challenge to serve the Lord full-time. It wasn't until years later that I realized serving Him full-time didn't have to mean overseas as a missionary. It's a little like having a sanctuary that isn't confined to a church building. Emmanuel, God with...me.
Earl G
I have just had a walk (several blocks). I always enjoy the quietness and the liitle distractions to be with my Lord. Having read this article, I declare that my sanctaury is a mobile one as I experience the presence of my Creator as I walk and welcome the new morning! Thanks for this insightful article!
Elizabeth Havill
I find Gordon MacDonalds articles so fresh and inspiring! What a nice thought about making every place we are a "Santuary." Besides being one myself where the Lord Jesus can dwell! And it's a choice we make each day! What a profound difference we could make in the lives of those who cross our paths, if we kept this thought foremost in our minds and hearts. May God grant this in the year before us for His Dear Name's sake!
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