Sermon snippet – Seeking Sanctuary in the Storm
INTRODUCTION – Unfortunately, today when we hear of sanctuary, we almost automatically think of sanctuary cities, which promote lawlessness. It is just like Satan to take a good idea – sanctuary, refuge – and turn it into something evil. Real refuge, blessed by the presence of Jesus, is a good gift of God.
- WE MUST WANT SANCTUARY
Isaiah 8:13-14 enjoins us to “sanctify” God as “a sanctuary.” God, of course, is fully sanctified in His holiness; we cannot add anything to Who He is. No, what we are commanded to do here is to set Him apart (the meaning of “sanctify”) in the sense of recognizing and appreciating Who He is. The irony is that appropriate “fear” and “dread” will bring us into God’s “sanctuary.” The contrast with verse 12 is startling: if we will not have the fear of the Lord (reverence and awe which includes some healthy shaking and trembling), we will have fear about everything else. We are presented with two exclusive options: God will be either our “sanctuary” or our “stone of stumbling.” I Peter 2:7-8 uses this stone imagery directly of God the Son, Jesus Christ. There is no neutral position, no middle ground; either Jesus is a sanctuary, or He is a stumbling stone. How bad can it get if we make the wrong choice? Revelation 6:14-17 tells us that some will prefer to be crushed by real rocks rather than receive the refuge that Jesus offers. Clearly, then, we must want sanctuary.
- WE NEED SANCTUARY
Isaiah 25:4 certainly sounds modern, doesn’t it? The “terrible ones” are ruthless, without mercy, trying to “blast” through the “wall” of “refuge.” Well, there is nothing new under the sun. This world does not offer genuine sanctuary; only God Himself can shelter us in the swirling satanic storm. Note the word “shadow.” It is often used negatively, but God employs it positively – I love that about God… and I also love shade! We need sanctuary; we need God himself in this wild and wicked world of woe.
- WE HAVE SANCTUARY
Ezekiel 11:16 is an encouraging verse. The KJV “little” could be translated “a little while” (as it is in the NIV and NAS), but the KJV better captures the big idea: wherever we go, the presence of God is with us, creating a little sanctuary in the midst of a big, ugly world. Specifically, each Christian is indwelt by God the Holy Spirit. I Corinthians 6:19 says, “What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, Who is in you, Whom ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” Praise God that we are not our own! By the power of the Spirit, we are transformed; in a sense, we become little sanctuaries. There are practical implications for us. People, created in the image of God, can be used by Him to provide refuge; all of us have people who bring us comfort and peace. May we be those people to other folks, too. Certain places minister restfulness to us, as well, for they are part of God’s creation. Good memories are employed by God to bring consolation; remember, Jesus died to take away our sins, not our minds! Even work can be a haven, for work was given to man in the Garden of Eden before the Fall. Dare we speak of marriage? Genesis 1 describes the entire creation as “good”;’ it is only after the creation of Adam and Eve that the description becomes “very good.” God is our sanctuary, and we bring Him into all of these situations and relationships. We do have sanctuary.
CONCLUSION – Sanctuary or stumbling block? The choice is ours. Each one of us must want Jesus as Savior; we need Him, for we cannot save ourselves. May each one of us be sure of salvation through faith in Jesus’ finished work on the Cross and in His resurrection. Then, let us sanctify God as our sanctuary, take refuge from the ruthless ones, and enjoy the peace of God’s presence.