Thursday: The Lord’s Judgment and the Sanctuary
Daily Lesson for Thursday 8th of February 2024
Read Psalms 96:6-10; Psalms 99:1-4; and Psalms 132:7-9,13-18. Where does God’s judgment take place, and what are the implications of the answer for us? How does the sanctuary help us understand how God will deal with evil?
The Lord’s judgment is closely related to the sanctuary. The sanctuary was the environment where the psalmist’s understanding of the problem of evil was transformed (Psalms 73:17-20).
Image © Phil McKay from GoodSalt.com
The sanctuary was designated as the place of divine judgment as indicated by the judgment of Urim (Numbers 27:21) and by the breastplate of judgment of the high priest (Exodus 28:15,28-30). Accordingly, many psalms depict God on His throne in the sanctuary ready to judge the world for its sin and evil.
At the sanctuary, the plan of salvation was revealed. In paganism, sin was understood primarily as a physical stain to be eliminated by magic rites. In contrast, the Bible presents sin as a violation of God’s moral law. God’s holiness means that He loves justice and righteousness. Likewise, God’s people should pursue justice and righteousness and should worship God in His holiness. To do that, they must keep God’s law, which is an expression of His holiness.
Thus, the sanctuary is the place of forgiveness of sin and restoration of righteousness as indicated by the mercy seat of God’s throne and the “sacrifices of righteousness” (Deuteronomy 33:19, Psalms 4:5).
Yet, the “God-Who-Forgives” takes vengeance upon the wicked deeds of unrepentant people (Psalms 99:8, NKJV). The practical implications of the sanctuary being the place of divine judgment are seen in the constant awareness of God’s holiness and demands for righteous living according to God’s covenantal requirements.
The Lord’s judgment from Zion results in the well-being of the righteous and the defeat of the wicked (Psalms 132:13-18). The sanctuary fostered the jubilant expectations of the Lord’s coming as the Judge, especially during the Day of Atonement. Likewise, the Psalms strengthen the certainty of the impending arrival of the divine Judge (Psalms 96:13, Psalms 98:9), namely, Jesus Christ in the heavenly sanctuary (Revelation 11:15-19).
Read Romans 8:34. How does this verse show us that what Christ is doing in the heavenly sanctuary is good news for His people?
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In the English language the word Sanctuary combines the meaning of sacred and safe. On the one hand, we think of the Sanctuary as a place of prayer and worship, and on the other a place of refuge in a time of trouble.
In my own experience, I am familiar with bird sanctuaries as a safe place where birds on the brink of extinction are kept safe from predators and are free to expand their population.
The combination of the sacred and the safe is something that needs to be appreciated and protected. The fact that so often that combination has been violated in the name of Christianity strikes at the very heart of our credibility.
Sanctuary should be a continued reminder that our search for safety and our meaning in Christ are plaited together and if separated destroy the fabric of our spirituality.
We should embrace this duality by reaching out to God and sharing that sanctuary with others.
Sometimes we Seventh-day Adventists are so concerned about the type/antitype of the Sanctuary that we overlook the heart message.
The Sanctuary assures us that we are safe in the Divine.
Thank you Sir.
We sometimes get so busy trying to prove things. Its almost like we keep trying to make up for Oct. 22, 1844. Witnessing from a place of defense doesn't always work in this culture in the west. Jesus Judges, but from the Mercy seat. Yes, without the sshedding of blood, there can be no remission. but Jesus took care of that.
The day of atonement was a day of great reverence, but since we live in that time now, we just aren't outside in our front lawns watching the sky. We are supposed to live the loving life of Christ.
If we are fighting and debating each other all the time, that love won't be shown. How will the Judge feel about that behavior in His bride.
Help me Lord, to be a peacemaker and not a trouble maker.
The Sanctuary shows how GOD deals with sin... as humans, we can only be instruments on this matter: it is GOD's deal! Wonderful to know that our part on this is solely to be facing the altar of sacrifice! Our role is focused there! Nothing else can take away our sins without the altar of sacrifice because no matter what happens after, the cross divides the teaching purpose from the practical service! The cross in the altar of sacrifice separates the need of a human High Priest to the everlasting service of the Divine High Priest! At the altar of sacrifice, the fate of the whole Universe is changed forever!
We have an accuser who never ceases his work:day and night he's at it. How comforting it is to know that our Advocate, Defender, Intercessor is always on the job in our defence (Hebrews 7:25).
Praise God 🙌🏾💯
Jesus Christ is our Intercessor and our judge. Please explain so that I can share with others who ask.
Psalm 96:9 - “Oh, worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness!”
Psalm 132:9 – “Let Your priests be clothed with righteousness, and let Your saints shout for joy!”
Psalm 132:13-18: “
“For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His dwelling place:
This is My resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it.
I will abundantly bless her provision; I will satisfy her poor with bread.
I will also clothe her priests with salvation, and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.
There I will make the horn of David grow; I will prepare a lamp for My Anointed.
His enemies I will clothe with shame, but upon himself his crown shall flourish.”
All psalmists promote Israel’s God as the Highest God - the most powerful, the most just, the most caring God any nation could ever place their trust in. He declared for His tempel to be placed in Jerusalem. This God chose Israel and decided to interact with His people and establish His Name there - the 'Sanctuary' where heaven comes down to met man on earth!
To establish His Name, I understand ‘judgement’ to be the most important act of power Israel’s God would engage in. Consistently 'acting justly and showing mercy' set Him apart from all the heathen gods of the nations sourrounding His people. They choose their gods, but could never be sure what these gods would do for them.
Israel's God chose Abraham's children and elevate them to demonstrate to all the world that He is the only just, impartial, and benevolent God for mankind. 'Judgement' in and of itself is pure because its Creator God is pure – He is justice personified; justice is His middle name, so to speak!
If the world would ever know its true God, He needed to take a stand against all the erroneous forms of worship man invented to impress their gods to act ‘justly/benevolently’ toward them. The time came for God to select the site for His Temple and He chose Jerusalem - Salomon build His Temple 400 years after Jerusalem was declared the capital of the united tribes of Israel, but known long before then by Abraham and Isaac - Gen. 22; Deut.12:1-11; 1 Kings 9:3. [Why did God chose Jerusalem as the capital of Israel by Gorden Franz]
Begun with Noah and Abram, it was a long road man walked toward the light until the time came for God to establish His Law, Justice, and Mercy in the land of Israel; God's perfect justice prevails forever more - it is established in our born-again heart and mind by the One who created heaven and earth and all that is within – Gen. 1:1-2; John 1:1-5.