APRIL 27 - MAY 3: HOLY PLACES
Come Follow Me “Holiness to the Lord” Exodus 35–40; Leviticus 1; 4; 16; 19
Temples, Tabernacles, Synagogues, Cathedrals, Shrines, Mosques, Closets, Home. What makes a place holy? Architecture, design, decor can bring to mind holy things, along with a sweet smell and a reverent song. Yet, a place is only as holy as you make it by what you do there. A place set a side to turn to the divine.
The Israelites were instructed to craft a Tabernacle. Built around stakes to represent the people, it required the finest of materials, gold and bronze, hides of leather dyed in brilliant colors of red, blue and purple. What a rich and stunning contrast to the dust of the wilderness.
How do we create our sacred spaces? ‘All we want is your presence, turn this room into heaven.’
Making Room - Tauren Wells
Making something sacred requires a sacrifice. To give up our sins is what is necessary to be purified - and that can be difficult, for we want to hold onto our favorites. For the Israelites it took forty years to cleanse them of those still trapped in the ways of Egypt - or the world. Forty years to teach of hands-on - and yes bloody - sacrifice. But the lesson is the same as our sacrificing from our wants today - to remember that it is Christ Jesus who atones for our sins- with His blood.
‘We are the generation rising to the calling of your love... marching to the rhythm of your heart.’
Holy Places – Corey Voss & Madison Street Worship
Entering the Tabernacle was through a large courtyard surrounding an altar to offer sacrifices, a basin for cleansing. The opening to the Holy Place was guarded by symbols of Cherubim, inside covered in floral images, with a tree of candles- the Menorah, and the burning of incense- a sweet smell. The Holiest Place was where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, topped by the gilded Mercy seat of winged Cherubim; a space reserved for God to rest. This remarkable pattern is like that of returning to the Garden of Eden, where one can dwell again with God.
‘Hallowed ground was the dust in which you formed me ... a heart that’s returning to what you started- take me back to Eden.’
Back to Eden - Brendan Kendall
Frances Hodgson Burnett wrote of a secret garden - a garden filled with magic. Its discovery by orphaned Mary Lennox brings the beginning of healing, for her and cousin Colin Craven. Is the magic of the garden in the caring and nurturing of life? Or is it the remembering of their mothers’ love, which had been unspoken to them.
‘Bring me to your garden, where I’ll find you, and I’ll find you love me too.’
Come to My Garden/Lift Me Up - The Secret Garden, Lucy Simon
Find His love - in His garden.