ASLC Devotions - Thursday

Hebrews 8:5 They offer worship in a sanctuary that is a sketch and shadow of the heavenly one; for Moses, when he was about to erect the tent, was warned, ‘See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.’

The writer of Hebrews is explaining that Jesus is the great high priest and distinguishing him and his ministry from that of earthly priests. Jesus is better than earthly priests and the heavenly temple in which Jesus resides is more perfect than any earthly sanctuary or temple or church building. No doubt. But I see something different: our earthly sanctuaries are shadows of the heavenly one. When in an earthly sanctuary we get a glimpse of what the heavenly temple will be like. No matter whether it's the Notre Dame, St. Peter's in Rome, or All Saints in Palatine, places where people gather to worship provide a glimpse of the heavenly temple.

What is it? What is the glimpse we get? I don't think it's about architecture. No church architect has ever seen the heavenly temple, so what do we know? Sometimes the art and the music provide a glimpse, but even the greatest church music is just that: a glimpse of heaven. I think the clearest glimpse comes in the people. The helping arm up to the Communion rail, the joy-filled greeting of peace, the sitting next to and singing and praying with people who are different from you. That's the glimpse I cherish each and every week.

In Christ,
Pastor Seth

Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for a full calendar and details about our ministries. Join us this Sunday in worship at 8:30 and 11 as we say "Farewell to Alleluia" for the Lenten season.