Canadian logger Ron Fahey took the heat for removing some logs he intended to use as firewood. The de-branched specimens had been lying in a woodpile on the campus of Mount Alison University. Fahey had been given permission to snatch logs found on the grounds. But this particular stack of wood was actually a “sculpture” named Deadwood Sleep. Fortunately, the hardworking logger was stopped before he did too much damage. “To me, it was just a pile of wood,” he said. “If that’s art, then I’m in the wrong racket.”
King Belshazzar of Babylon was definitely in the wrong when he decided to use some sacred things for profane purposes (Daniel 5:2). He ordered certain gold and silver cups to be used for a wild party he was hosting. Problem was, the mighty fine goblets had been taken from the Temple (“the house of God”) in Jerusalem when a previous king, Nebuchadnezzar, had conquered the city (Daniel 5:3). Belshazzar had offended God with His sacrilege (Daniel 5:23).
His sentence? God spoke through the prophet Daniel and told him that his life and reign were about to end (Daniel 5:26). That very night it was lights out for Belshazzar (Daniel 5:30).
God is holy, and He has called us to be holy. Sadly, at times we profane what is sacred. Consider these words from the apostle Paul: “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? . . . You must honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
What are the sacred things in your life? What are those things that you would never do or say because they’re unholy and offensive to God? Write them down and commit them to Him today.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Hebrews 10:19-39
More:
Read 2 Corinthians 7:1 and carefully consider what Paul is saying to do as you “work toward complete holiness.”
Next:
How seriously do you take God’s holiness? Why is it important for us to recognize what God considers to be sacred?
daisymarygoldr on December 16, 2011 at 4:57 pm
Good post! Sacred means to be separated from sin and dedicated to God. It is like a virgin who keeps herself chaste for her bridegroom alone. Chastity is to be pure in our thoughts and actions.
Sexual infidelity would make the bride unclean and unfit—note, for union with her husband. The Church is the bride of Christ. We have been set apart for Him, for His pleasure, and for His purpose.
In his drunkenness, Belshazzar profaned God’s sacred vessels by drinking from them and praising his idols. Getting intoxicated by the things of the world can cause us to become unfit for God.
We are the temple of the Holy Spirit. And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? (2 Corinthians 6:16). If we are dedicated to God we cannot be devoted to anyone or anything else.
will77 on December 18, 2011 at 7:08 am
Great post and a great coment
winn collier on December 20, 2011 at 5:25 pm
the sacred thing in my life right now is space. space for quiet, for listening, for receiving and giving love. Good word for me, Tom. Thank you.