Our Little Sanctuary ...Ezekiel 11:16

....Yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary...


The Godhead, the Great 3 in 1 states that He will be to His people a little sanctuary. The immediate context of this passage of Scripture shows us the judgement, and therefore, the righteousness of God. The children of Israel have once again fallen willfully into sin- even idolatry; and the Spirit of God gives a number of visions to the Prophet Ezekiel. These visions show the wickedness of God's outward people. In ch. 8 verse 12 the people entertain evil thoughts. They say that God "seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth." However, God in ch. 11 verse 5, states, "I know the things that come into your minds, every one of them." God knows all and sees all (Prov. 15:3). The Prophet Ezekiel is granted others visions that discover the hidden wickedness of Israel (compare this with the New Testament book of John 13:20-21).
God in response to the wickedness of His nation sends them into captivity once again. We ask the question, "Will they ever learn?", but the same may and should be asked of us and by us- "Will you and this writer ever learn?"
Things are dark for these people. The inward, hidden darkness has become the outward, open darkness. Be sure, friends, your sins will find you out. Is there no hope? Yes. There is always hope with our Great God. Is not the Christ called the "Blessed Hope"? In the midst of seemingly hopeless circumstances God says, "I will be to them as a little sanctuary..."
The Hebrew word for "little" means "little or few" and the Hebrew word for "sanctuary" means "place set apart". One way we might interpret this meaning is God is a place for refuge... a place set apart, hidden if you will. A hiding place that is open to a few. God in Christ is our hiding place. As we journey through this pilgrim land, and ever looking for a city made without hands, we will grow weary (John 4), we will grow fearful, and we will grow cold at times. But please remember that there is a place just for you, child of God. It is hidden to others but you... you know the way (John 14:4-6). This place is a Person and He is able to shield you, to aid you, to comfort you, to strengthen you. We are in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, we are in the enemies land, but there is Refuge...and it is open to you who love God.

Buried in Him,
St. Loder