From the Edges – Searching for Sanctuary

FROM the EDGES –

Seeking what We Are Searching For

Pastor Calvin Cook

Focus Jeremiah 29:15-23

This morning I found myself searching for Sanctuary. As I have told you in writing and preaching, of that desire to find Sanctuary. The meaning of Sanctuary can muster up many thoughts some of which being “a consecrated place of worship” which commonly refers to the Sanctuary in the Church building or Temple. The idea that suits me best is “a place of refuge, reflection and protection.” This is what I desire of early morning times with God. A place of where I can find refuge within God’s care, reflect, and feel protected.  It is my appointment with God that I have made and desire to keep every day.

However, I have learned that I need to be completely shut off. I come into this Holy Space where God and I can be alone. No phone or social media or distractions. Most devices not only have an on button but also an off button.  Sometimes I play music, sometimes like this morning, I just hunger for the quietness. The time that I have, to empty myself to be filled up with the presence of God. What a holy time that can be in our life. I encourage you to try it.

I am still aware that there are those things which are trying to invade that sanctuary. The invaders are different for each of us. This morning the alarm sounds that there is motion at our back door. Without looking I know what or who is at the back door. It is our paper carrier who about the same time every morning shows up. This is not danger it is just my morning paper being delivered. However, to not be glib the next alert of someone trying to break into my sanctuary may be seeking to harm me or draw me away from that time of refuge, reflection and protection. Guard your time of Sanctuary ! In this busy rushed world, it will make life much easier when the danger does appear.

The Jeremiah text for reflection is long and exhausting this morning but necessary for us to realize that we have a choice to make. We can choose to be drawn away in our sinfulness and the desires of the flesh or desire to be in the Sanctuary where what we are truly searching for will be satisfied.

Jeremiah 29:20 was a reminder to the dissidents of God one last plea to “Therefore, hear the word of the Lord, all you exiles whom I have sent away from Jerusalem to Babylon.” Today God is not sending you away, God is desiring to draw you in, to draw you closer, to be in a one-on-one relationship. A picture of this is the verse In the Garden. “And He walks with me, and He talks with me and He tells me I am his own and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.” The picture of true sanctuary. May you claim that for your life today.

Hear the word of the Lord, those of you who are far off and those who are close, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (sanctuary) 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NIV