Strength and Beauty in His Sanctuary

Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Psalm 96:6.
From the creation and fall of man to the present time, there has been a continual unfolding of the plan of God for the redemption, through Christ, of the fallen race. The tabernacle and temple of God on earth were patterned after the original in heaven. Around the sanctuary and its solemn services mystically gathered the grand truths which were to be developed through succeeding generations.
There has been no time when God has granted greater evidences of His grandeur and exalted majesty than while He was the acknowledged governor of Israel. The manifestations of an invisible King were grand and unspeakably awful. A scepter was swayed, but it was held by no human hand. The sacred ark, covered by the mercy seat, and containing the holy law of God, was symbolical of Jehovah Himself. It was the power of the Israelites to conquer in battle. Before it idols were thrown down, and for rashly looking into it thousands perished. Never in our world has the Lord given such open manifestations of His supremacy as when He alone was the acknowledged king of Israel.
The law of God, enshrined within the ark, was the great rule of righteousness and judgment. That law pronounced death upon the transgressor; but above the law was the mercy seat, upon which the presence of God was revealed, and from which, by virtue of the atonement, pardon was granted to the repentant sinner. Thus in the work of Christ for our redemption, symbolized by the sanctuary service, “mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” Psalm 85:10.
While we rejoice today that our Saviour has come, that the sacrifices of the former dispensation have given place to the perfect offering for sin, we are not excusable in showing contempt for that period.
The Faith I Live By p. 194
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for my son Derek. He has a problem with alcohol, anger, low self-esteem. Pray that he will find his way back to the God of his childhood, and find value and self worth in his life. Karen
—-Please continue to pray for Lou. Eileen
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Friends,
Over the years, one TV program I had always enjoyed was Nature Scene. It was a gentle program with quiet music playing in the background as a scientist and his friend visited some wildlife area quietly walking along and discussing the things they saw there. It was like taking a quiet walk and learning many interesting things about God’s great creation.
We first started watching it in the 1980’s when we lived in North Carolina. At that time, although the theory of evolution was occasionally hinted at, it was always prefaced with, “Some people believe” or Some folks say.” I thought that it was nice that the scientist brought out the fact that evolution was only a theory. I felt that here was a man who did not believe in this soul-destroying doctrine. Here was a program that it was safe for my children to watch.
In 1987, we moved to the western part of the country. This area did not offer this program, so it was six or seven years before I saw it again.
When we moved to Kansas, I noticed it in the TV listings. I could hardly wait to watch it again. To my disappointment, however, the program had changed. Now evolution was not just occasionally mentioned as a theory that some people believe, but Rudy was teaching it as a fact. It was not just hinted at once or twice in a program, it was spoken of throughout. The change was very evident.
Somewhere during those years while we were not able to watch, something happened. Somewhere along the way, compromises were made. Truth was let go of and a false belief took its place.
How careful we must be to hold tightly to the truths of God’s Word. The evil one is constantly tempting us to compromise in little ways. It might seem like only a little thing, but it may be the very thing that starts a downward course a life-changing course. That “little thing” can have eternal consequences.
Our Dear Saviour tells us, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matt 7:13,14 Moreover, He has promised to help us stay on the right path. “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” Isa 30:21 “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” Ps 32:8
Isaiah speaks of our Loving Saviour as our Shepherd. “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” Isa 40:11 He not only gudes us, He does far more than we could ask or even think. He assures us, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 Our Great Shepherd left the glories of His Heavenly Home and gladly gave His life so that we may live. What love! What wondrous love!
In the light of what Jesus has done for us, can we feel free to compromise? When we are tempted to do evil, can we rationalize that it is not so bad, that it is OK this time? No! One little compromise, one little rationalization can change the whole direction of our life. It might take years for it to be noticeable, but when the life is viewed as a whole, that compromise will show.
May we stand firm for what we know is right because of our love for Jesus no matter how much pressure is brought upon us to compromise. May we “Resist the devil, [for if we do] he will flee from” us. James 4:7 May we declare as did David, “He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.”
Rose