God Is a Sanctuary
God promises to be a sanctuary to His people, providing refuge, worship, and quiet from fear of evil, even in the most difficult circumstances.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that even when God's people feel exiled and far from their place of worship, He remains their sanctuary, providing refuge and grace wherever they are. He reassures the faithful that God is with them, just as He was with Jacob, offering peace and quiet from fear. Spurgeon highlights that in Christ, believers find the ultimate sanctuary of mercy, where all elements of worship and communion are fulfilled. The message encourages those who wander to trust in God's presence and promises, as He is their constant source of strength and solace.
Text
Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord God; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come. (Ezekiel 11:16)
Banished from the public means of grace, we are not removed from the grace of the means. The Lord who places His people where they feel as exiles will Himself be with them and be to them all that they could have had at home, in the place of their solemn assemblies. Take this to yourselves, O ye who are called to wander!
God is to His people a place of refuge. They find sanctuary with Him from every adversary, He is their place of worship, too. He is with them as with Jacob when he slept in the open field, and rising, said, "Surely God was in this place," To them also He will be a sanctuary of quite, like the Holy of Holies, which was the noiseless abode of the Eternal. They shall be quiet from fear of evil.
God Himself, in Christ Jesus, is the sanctuary of mercy. The Ark of the Covenant is the Lord Jesus, and Aaron's rod, the pot of manna, the tables of the law, all are in Christ our sanctuary. In God we find the shrine of holiness and of communion. What more do we need? O Lord, fulfill this promise and be ever to us as a little sanctuary!
Sermon Outline
- God as a Sanctuary
- A Refuge from Adversaries
- A Place of Worship
- A Sanctuary of Quiet
Key Quotes
“The Lord who places His people where they feel as exiles will Himself be with them and be to them all that they could have had at home, in the place of their solemn assemblies.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“God Himself, in Christ Jesus, is the sanctuary of mercy.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“In God we find the shrine of holiness and of communion.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We can trust God to be with us and provide for us even when we're in difficult or unfamiliar circumstances.
- God's presence is not limited by physical location, and we can experience His sanctuary wherever we are.
- Seeking God in prayer, worship, and communion with Him is key to experiencing His sanctuary in our lives.