There are holy places. That is not to suggest that God's presence or power have limits. The highest heaven cannot contain God. But we do construct and maintain sanctuaries, camps and other spaces where we experience God's grace and mercy together. And we return to them.
For most of us, church is that place. We know church, as a concept, is not a four-wall development. Church is the people called by God. Still, church as a place for God's people to gather is important.
For generations, and for some still today, church was in homes, caves or under the brush arbor. No matter where it was, where the people met was a holy place. Sacred memories enfold these places. God meets us in these places.
As a pastor, I'm usually quick to get things done. I always pause, though, when it comes to the sanctuary. People have strong feelings about changes in those places. Yes, we can have unhealthy overattachments to our pews and stained glass windows. But God does use our shared spaces to heal and shape our souls.
In Ezekiel 20, God told the people to serve their idols if they wanted. That's a choice the Lord gives us. What God wasn't willing to do, though, was allow the people to mix their idol worship with their worship of God. So, in mercy, the Lord pointed them back to the land once promised them. It was in that place the people would remember who they had been and come to know God's surpassing grace.
So, the place was important. Not in terms of geography, but of posture.
Our places today can have the same function. Returning to these places aren't about nostalgia, mind you. Instead, our holy places help us recall, recover and renew our sense of covenant with God. Something happens to us when we allow God to meet us in these places again.
When you go back, don't just go. Go prepared to listen and to let God meet and reclaim you there.
Stay blessed...john | 
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