In His Sanctuary—A Picture of the Lily

Having just celebrated Easter, you might find this information about the “lily” in the sanctuary interesting.

The stories and accounts in the Bible are divine truth and inspiration with the ability to give our minds living pictures of eternal truth for daily living. As women, we think in pictures all the time as we hear or read something, then we begin to construct a picture in order to process and use the information.

A beautiful promise of God is found in Psalms 96:6b which states, “strength and beauty are in his sanctuary” (KJV). What do you think of when you see the word sanctuary? In Scripture, the word sanctuary is a noun meaning “something that is consecrated and recognized as a sacred place.” Today, the room or area used as the sanctuary in a church building is usually identified as the sacred space or location for hearing the preaching of the Word of God and for other special times of worship.

In the Old Testament, the temple built by Solomon as the sacred place to worship God, was a beautiful, awe-inspiring building. The Scripture mentions that two pillars were created by craftsmen to be on the porch of the building leading to the sanctuary. The Bible tells us that the huge pillars were made of bronze, making them amazingly strong.

Additionally, placed at the top of each pillar, were designs of pretty flowers. First Kings 7:22 describes the flowers stating, “And upon the top of the pillars was lily work…” (KJV). In Christian literature, the lily often is a symbol of new life. Scripture is replete with descriptive words and symbolism about the very nature and character of God and He has given it to us to know and experience Him and His ways.

When we read that the pillars were strong with beautiful ornamental flowers at the top, that information can be understood as an architectural detail; but we can also stop a moment to think or picture the pillars. The two qualities of strength and beauty are not uncommon virtues by themselves, particularly as related to women. We all know strong women and beautiful women, but it is the combination of the two qualities or virtues together in one woman that is rare. However, as this applies to who God is, He has both strength and beauty.

Throughout the history of the church, particularly in ancient buildings or cathedrals, pillars were in the sanctuary as a way to support the structure. Can you envision Christ as a pillar; your strong and powerful deliverer, your provider, your support, your shelter in the storm? Remember also, He is not just strong; He is your beautiful Lord, the pearl of great price, your freedom from worry, the One who cares for you as a flower of the field, the One who knows you.

The Word of God states, in Hebrews 8:1-2, “Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man” (KJV). Yes, it is all about Him, we go to Him to find all we need. He is our sanctuary; strength and beauty describe Him.