Sacred Places, Sacred Things
The end of the Book of Exodus and several chapters in Leviticus and Numbers talk about the extraordinary efforts made to prepare the hearts and minds of the Children of Israel to be God’s covenant people. Wandering in the wilderness for 40 years before entering their promised land was necessary to purge the people’s minds of the hundreds of years of idolatry and bondage in Egypt. Every trace of old incorrect ways needed to be wiped away and replaced with a new societal structure based on the covenant Abraham made with God.
The tabernacle served the purpose of being their sacred place as they moved about. It was constructed of the best materials available to them and required the sacrifice and offerings of the treasures the people possessed. It was a place that housed the holy artifacts, which established the law by which they lived. Indeed the things, touched by God himself, were given a place so sacred that only certain individuals were allowed to touch them and only at specific times.
Observances of the sabbath and the celebration of other events that reminded the people of the power of God that delivered them from bondage were not to be trifled with. The violation of many sacred practices and protocols carried a death sentence.
To us, these punishments seem to be disproportionate to the nature of the transgression. However, when considered carefully, a death sentence mirrors the effects of violating sacred covenants on us spiritually, as a society, and individually.
The only thing worse than breaking sacred covenants is not making them in the first place. If we are to receive salvation through Jesus Christ, we must be prepared to accept it. Our preparation for salvation is not unlike how the Israelites were prepared to enter their promised land. We may have to wander in the wilderness for a while and eliminate incorrect traditions and practices.
We need to be in sacred places and do sacred things.
Our sacred places are temples and sanctified homes.
Temples today are constructed of precious materials and crafted carefully. The great cathedrals, sanctuaries, and churches worldwide are the same. Some think it is a tremendous waste of precious resources that would be better spent helping the poor, but that is extremely short-sighted. The poor, and indeed all of us, need sacred places to give us a vision of what could be: something to aim for. The motivation and inspiration of experiencing one of these buildings are far more life-changing than any amount of money.
We need to make our homes a sanctuary from the world. Make your home or a place in your home as beautiful and clean as you can. It will provide a place to clear your mind, have security, and feel peaceful. In these places, you can experience what some call mindfulness, but what I call a connection with the divine. Setting the mood for revelation may include quiet contemplation, prayer, and deep thought. For me, these times come between sleep and full consciousness.
Some of the sacred things we possess could include ancestral histories of the life-changing events that made us who we are. Birth or marriage certificates may be things you treasure. If you believe that the important things we record on earth will be recorded in heaven, then our personal histories and memorabilia can become sacred. When we are touched metaphorically by God, or we hear the words of Christ, our memories become sacred artifacts and should be stored in an ark that is referred to in the scripture as the fleshy tables of the heart.
What makes something sacred? In one sense, sacred means life-altering, like experiences that change you fundamentally. Another could be unexplainable knowledge, things you know in your core to be true. Still, others could be dreams or visions, personal revelation, or suddenly understanding the world around you in a new way. Some relationships are sacred such as wife to husband, parent to child, or your connection with the divine. Solemn promises, commitments, and covenants become more sacred over time as we overcome temptations to break them.
So what are we to do with sacred things, and how do we act in holy places? We protect them with reverence and resolve. Nothing is more profane than betraying once sacred knowledge or being casual in sacred places or with sacred things.
Almost nothing is secret anymore, so sacred does not equate with secret. I believe we are being tested when certain knowledge or revelation is given to see if God can trust us. Also, if we prove ourselves trustworthy, more knowledge and understanding will be given.
Why don’t we share some things that have positively altered our lives? Wouldn’t it benefit others? I have concluded that people are not prepared for such things most of the time, and it may do more harm than good.
I knew a person several years ago who wanted to have specific religious experiences, and when they didn’t happen, his life changed. His marriage fell apart, and he abandoned covenants he once considered sacred. He was not prepared. Demanding what you are not prepared to receive will potentially ruin you.
If you have come to a point where nothing is sacred to you anymore, brace yourself for chaos and one disappointment after another.
Please take the time to consider the things that are sacred to you. Create personal sanctuaries or visit holy places often.