117. PSA 77:13. GOD’S WAY IN THE SANCTUARY
Psa_77:13. God’s Way in the Sanctuary
"Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary."’97Psa_77:13.
The Psa. ist had evidently been passing through scenes of great affliction and sorrow. He seems almost to have been sinking into despondency; when he referred to God’s dealings of old, and, by reflecting on his works and doings of old, his soul was cheered, and his heart comforted; he then exclaimed, "Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?" Let us,
I. Illustrate and establish the Declaration that God’s way is in the Sanctuary.
The sanctuary was that part of the tabernacle and temple where the priests officiated. It is often, however, put for the whole of God’s house, and may, with propriety, be applied to every place where God’s holy name is recorded, and where his people meet together for his worship The way of God signifies the manifestations of God, the revelation of his mind his visible dealings with his people, the footsteps of his providence, or the impressions of his grace. We notice, then,
1. That God’s way of instruction is in the sanctuary.
All nature is intended to teach us something of his power, and wisdom, or goodness. But it is in his house where we are taught those things concerning God not to be known either in nature or providence Here, we use more fully instructed’97here we are more spiritually and more clearly taught, and especially on those momentous subjects connected with the dignity and work of the Saviour, and the doctrines which affect the well-being of our souls. Life and immortality are only brought to light by the gospel.
2. God’s way of conviction is in his sanctuary.
It is here that the arrows of truth are lodged in the hearts of the king’s enemies. It was when Peter was declaring the doctrines of the cross, that the people cried out, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Yes, it is in the sanctuary that souls are generally led to see and feel their sinfulness, and the necessity of salvation.
3. God’s way of salvation is in his sanctuary.
It is in the sanctuary, where the heralds of salvation stand up to declare all the words of eternal life; it is here that the word of salvation is read and expounded; and it is here that thirsty souls are enabled with joy to draw water out of the wells of salvation. Yes, here the banquet of redeeming love is spread open, and perishing souls are invited to eat and drink abundantly, and live forever.
4. God’s way of comfort is in his sanctuary.
Yes, God says to the watchmen of Zion the under-shepherds of his flock, "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people; speak ye comfortably unto Jerusalem, cry unto her that her warfare is accomplished," &c. Isa_40:1, &c. David’s feet well night slipped, until he went to the house of God. There he obtained direction and comfort; Psa_73:1-17. Yes, here God pours into the souls of his people the oil of joy and consolation. "By waiting upon him, they renew their strength," &c.; Isa_40:31.
5. God’s way of sanctification is in his sanctuary.
Here the servants of God "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of the truth." Work of holy experience deepened within them’97conformity to Christ increased’97fruits of righteousness abounding to the glory of God’97and a meetness for the celestial inheritance obtained. The Church is the pillar and ground of truth; and God sanctifies his people through his truth’97his word is truth; Joh_17:17. Let us,
II. Assign some reasons why God hath his way in the Sanctuary.
1. The sanctuary was specially designed for this.
Here God wished to reveal himself more plainly and fully to his people. Here he gives exhibitions of himself, which he does not, indeed cannot, either in nature or providence; 2Ch_7:12-16. He has his way in the sanctuary,
2. Because here he is greatly honored and adored.
How delightful to see an assembly of immortal beings met specifically to glorify God! How interesting the appearance, the bended knee’97the smitten breast’97the uplifted eye’97the fervent prayer’97the humble and contrite confession’97the song of praise! What a type of the heavenly assembly, &c.!
3. Because he hath declared his particular delight to be in the sanctuary, and hath given many promises to this effect.
"Wherever my name is recorded," &c.; Exo_20:24. 1Ki_9:3; Mat_18:20. "For the Lord hath chosen Zion," &c.; Psa_132:13. Let us consider,
III. The proper Improvement we should make of this Subject.
1. It should inspire us with ardent attachment to God’s house.
"How amiable are thy tabernacles," &c. "Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house," &c. "One thing have I desired," &c.
2. It teaches us what is our chief business in the sanctuary.
To know the way of the Lord, to see his power and glory, to be more intimately acquainted with his mind and will. We may see friends, and this is pleasant; hear the word, and this is profitable; but the great end of the worship of the sanctuary is not answered, unless we know more and enjoy more of the knowledge and love of God. All other things are but means designed to lead us to this great end.
3. How anxious we should be to bring our relatives and friends into the way of the Lord.
By taking them to the Lord’s house they may be blessed, truth may break in upon their minds, God may meet them in the way of conviction, and the house of God thus become the spiritual birthplace of their souls. For the way of God is in his sanctuary.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS