1/6/10 Even the on-line dictionary defines sanctuary not just as a safe haven but also a holy place. It actually lists the “sacred” element of the word first. I certainly equate it with refuge provided by a holy God.
In Genesis 12:8 I see an example of both the outer (physical) and inner (spiritual) sanctuary:
Then he (Abram/Abraham) proceeded from there to the mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the LORD and called upon the name of the LORD
Today’s My Utmost For His Highest entry described Bethel as the symbol of communing with God and Ai as the symbol of the world. Just as he pitched his tent between the two, we are reminded of the importance of always pitching our tents (finding sanctuary) in order to have quiet times with the Lord----regardless of the noise of the world around us and often even in the midst of it.
Many of us today seek physical sanctuaries as a refuge from all that the world throws at us. They are different for each of us---a beach, the mountains, a monastic retreat center, a closet, a prayer chair or just a simple prayer cloth worn over the head, as JoLynn taught the Talapneco ladies in Mexico. But it is there that we find real sanctuary when we take it to the next level as we commune with Him in worship.
In Moses’ time the inner sanctuary of the tabernacle was the most holy place, "Holy of Holies"---where the priests met with God. It was an actual physical place to meet with the Almighty.
