God With Us (Sanctuary)

Hey, Y'all,

I ran across this while reading an explanation of the fascinating symbolism in the many components of the original sanctuary that God instructed the Israelites to build when they left Egypt for the promised land (it's really cool--check it out sometime). This essay, however, caught my eye; here're some thoughts on a name of Christ's that we usually only hear at Christmastime: Emmanuel --- which means "God with us." Sorry, I couldn't find out who to attribute it to, but nonetheless, it's a good read, and remember: only 80 more shopping days 'til Christmas!

"Emmanuel. It reminds us that we need not travel to some distant place, enjoy some special experience, accomplish some great deed, display some unusual talent, or create some huge fortune to see God at work in our lives. All we have to do is look around and notice that no matter what occurs there is a power, even in common everyday things, that helps make things better. Dogs' tails wag, broken bones mend, crops grow, people love, ducks quack, babies smile!

"All things that happen are not God's will--that would be bad news. The sanctuary 'truth,' however, is good news. It says that in the middle of each moment in every life God--by His mere presence there--promotes much joy and health: spiritual, mental, and physical.

"'Have them make me a sanctuary,' the Lord declares in the first part of scripture, 'so that I may dwell among them' (Exodus 25:8) At scripture's dramatic center, we read that in Jesus 'the Word became flesh and lived (literally "sanctuaried") among us' (John 1:14). And the last book of scripture anticipates a time when 'a loud voice from the throne' will proclaim, 'see, the home (sanctuary) of God is among mortals. He will dwell (sanctuary) with them, they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them' (Revelation 21:3). At the beginning and end of scripture, and at every point in between, the sanctuary truth is the same: Emmanuel --- God is with us. Hallelujah!"

Amen to that...God with us...

You've been prayed for today...