Sanctuary
“He shall become a sanctuary” (Isa. 8:14a).
The pic is of elephants in Phuket, a Thai sanctuary
Sanctuary means different things to different people, and in differing settings. For example, in the opening quote, sanctuary carries the meaning of protection and refuge in God. In the picture, sanctuary implies refuge, safety, and protection for animals such as these elephants. There are bird sanctuaries, coral reef sanctuaries, and especially sanctuaries for endangered species. Some states have sanctuary cities. The list goes on. The concept of refuge is one key use of sanctuary.
Another meaning applies to the holy place of various religious systems: whether it’s a temple, the temple complex, or the main auditorium of a church building. Here sanctuary has the sense of holy place, consecrated place.
When the two thoughts are combined, as they are in some respects related to churches, we get the double meaning of holiness meshed with refuge. Today, though, let’s talk only about the refuge aspect.
Everyone needs a safe place: freedom from pressures, freedom from threats, freedom from guilt, even freedom to express one’s opinions without fear of being shut down or shunned. Some friends and I explored this need recently as it related to church.
“You shall…reverence My sanctuary,” one friend read from Leviticus 26:2. “What does mean?” When the dust settled from our discussion, he offered this nugget: “When I walk through those doors (pointing to the entrance of the suite which houses our church family), I feel completely safe in all aspects of my life.” As we drew him out, we realized that he meant, among other things: physical safety (nobody would harm him there), emotional safety (no one would bully or pressure him), financial safety (there would be no coercion to contribute so much as a dime), and especially intellectual safety (no one would make him toe the party line or shut up; he was free to draw his own conclusions and share them).
“I feel completely safe.” Isn’t that the truest concept of sanctuary? People flourish when they are safe like this. I hope your church experience feels like sanctuary; I’m glad my friend’s does.
May you find your refuge!
Rod MacArthur
206.949.0325
rod_macarthur@comcast.net