Words From The Warden

Sanctuary

Each week, early in our service, we sing the song of praise “Sanctuary.” Since we began singing it, I have found the melody lovely, but I also found myself wondering about its message. What am I declaring when I sing these words? To better understand, I researched the meaning of sanctuary, and here is what I discovered.

In the Old Testament, the term sanctuary (Hebrew: miqdas, qodes) refers to a holy place designated for worship and offerings to God, such as the Tabernacle in the wilderness or the temple in Jerusalem (Exodus 25:8; 1 Chronicles 22:19). Beyond its physical structure, the sanctuary also represents God’s presence and protection. In some passages, God Himself is metaphorically called a sanctuary, serving as a refuge for the faithful in times of distress (Isaiah 8:14; Ezekiel 11:16). In the New Testament, the Greek term hagios is used to describe the sanctuary, often referring to the temple or holy place (Matthew 24:15; Hebrews 9:1-2). The concept evolves to emphasize that God’s presence is no longer confined to a physical building. Bible Study Tools+1 So, where does God live?

Last Sunday, Father Bowers connected Abraham’s greatness with his brokenness. He also spoke about the kind of peace Jesus offers—not a “peaceful, easy feeling,” but a deeper peace that comes from recognizing both the good and the rotten within us and trusting that God is still at work in us.

Through Father David’s sermon, and through a clearer understanding of the Scripture, I heard again that even the rotten and hurtful things I have done are not beyond God’s power to redeem. There is Good News even in the face of my awful behavior: God is always at work.

If I can make even a little room within myself, God will find a place to live. As Father Bowers said, “With God, failures are real, but not final.”

So this week, if you hear me singing “Sanctuary” with a little more gusto, you’ll know why: I am working to create more space for God to live.