Saturday November 10th, 2018 Hebrews 9:24-28
For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made by human hands? (verse 24)
Today is Martin Luther’s 535th birthday. Today I’m celebrating with him by remembering the gift of the gospel that he recovered for God’s people called “the church.” But when people think of the word “church,” most picture a building, often with ornate artwork on stained glass windows, wooden pews, a decorative altar area, a pulpit and a baptismal font.
What doesn’t spring immediately to mind is the people that make up the church. A church building is sacred because that is where God’s beloved assemble in prayer and praise.
The writer of Hebrews was describing Christ’s entry into heaven, but the writer could just as easily be describing Christ’s entry into our lives in holy baptism. The human heart is Christ’s true home. The gathered people of God is Christ’s true sanctuary.
When you’re at your church, look around at the beauty of the building where God’s story is lovingly told. Look around at your siblings in Christ and see where Christ is being lived among a people created in love. Then look at yourself and know that within you, the power of Christ crucified and risen dwells within the sanctuary that is your heart, as a holy and beloved child of God.
May I be a sanctuary of Christ's love. Amen. — KP
Contributed by True Sanctuary
Today is Martin Luther's 535th birthday. Today I'm celebrating with him by remembering the gift of the gospel that he recovered for God's people called "the church." But when people think of the word "church," most picture a building, often with ornate artwork on stained glass windows, wooden pews, a decorative altar area, a pulpit and a baptismal font.
What doesn't spring immediately to mind is the people that make up the church. A church building is sacred because that is where God's beloved assemble in prayer and praise.
The writer of Hebrews was describing Christ's entry into heaven, but the writer could just as easily be describing Christ's entry into our lives in holy baptism. The human heart is Christ's true home. The gathered people of God is Christ's true sanctuary.
When you're at your church, look around at the beauty of the building where God's story is lovingly told. Look around at your siblings in Christ and see where Christ is being lived among a people created in love. Then look at yourself and know that within you, the power of Christ crucified and risen dwells within the sanctuary that is your heart, as a holy and beloved child of God.