Day Forty-One -- I have seen you in the sanctuary. . .
Psalm 46 to Psalm 69
Yesterday I was attentive to the word 'enemies' as I read the psalms. Today I was drawn to words that were connected to the temple and sacrifice. Fourteen of the twenty-four psalms made such references to the House of God, the sanctuary, the temple, God's dwelling place, God's tent, or the offering of sacrifices. The presence of the LORD was never far from the mind of the psalmist, and nowhere was that presence more visibly symbolized than in the temple in Jerusalem. The forerunner of the temple was, of course, the tabernacle - the tent - that was set up in the middle of the camp as the people journeyed through the wilderness. No matter the type of structure, God was there. It was only fitting that sacrifices of praise, thanksgiving, and repentance should be brought and placed on the altar that stood nearby.
In our own worship we often talk about the "real presence" of God, whether it is in the people gathered in song and prayer, the sense of the spirit that moves among us, the gifts that we present as our offering, or the holy food and communion we share. No matter where we go there is always that remembrance of that holy place where we encountered, and will encounter again, the peace of God that passes all understanding. It matters little what how we refer to that place, only that we may be allowed to return.
Yesterday I was attentive to the word 'enemies' as I read the psalms. Today I was drawn to words that were connected to the temple and sacrifice. Fourteen of the twenty-four psalms made such references to the House of God, the sanctuary, the temple, God's dwelling place, God's tent, or the offering of sacrifices. The presence of the LORD was never far from the mind of the psalmist, and nowhere was that presence more visibly symbolized than in the temple in Jerusalem. The forerunner of the temple was, of course, the tabernacle - the tent - that was set up in the middle of the camp as the people journeyed through the wilderness. No matter the type of structure, God was there. It was only fitting that sacrifices of praise, thanksgiving, and repentance should be brought and placed on the altar that stood nearby.
In our own worship we often talk about the "real presence" of God, whether it is in the people gathered in song and prayer, the sense of the spirit that moves among us, the gifts that we present as our offering, or the holy food and communion we share. No matter where we go there is always that remembrance of that holy place where we encountered, and will encounter again, the peace of God that passes all understanding. It matters little what how we refer to that place, only that we may be allowed to return.
Taking the time to quiet our lives to read and reflect on God's word is such a blessing. Thank you for offering this "90-Day Bible Challenge". It has given me the push I needed to slow down a bit and reflect on God's love and caring.
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