God a Sanctuary
Ezekiel 11:16
Therefore say, Thus said the Lord GOD; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen…


I. TO THOSE WHO ARE DEPRIVED OF THE MEANS OF GRACE. Sufferers in sick rooms, travellers in lonely and distant places, missionaries amongst the heathen. How often to such comes the vision of the country church, when the summer air stole into the open window, bringing the breath of flowers; or of the great city church, with the well-known voice of a beloved minister. They long for these again. But God will be all and more.

II. TO THOSE WHO CANNOT DERIVE BENEFIT FROM THE SERVICES THEY ATTEND. The clergyman is broad in his views, and unsympathetic with the deeper moods of the spirit. Still, it may be your duty to attend for example's sake; but whilst waiting before the Lord, He will draw near and become your sanctuary.

III. TO THOSE WHO ARE EXPOSED TO DANGER AND PERSECUTION. In the olden time the sanctuary was a place of refuge. All who fled thither were in safeguard. So let the driven soul haste to the folds of the Tabernacle of God's presence, None can pursue it into that secret place. No weapon shall smite; and even envying voices shall die into subdued murmurs.

(F. B. Meyer, B. A.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come.

WEB: Therefore say, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Whereas I have removed them far off among the nations, and whereas I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them a sanctuary for a little while in the countries where they are come.




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