Can’t unsee it

You know that moment when you notice something, and you can’t un-notice it? Like when you finally see the arrow hidden between the “E” and “X” in the FedEx logo, representing the company’s commitment to moving forward. Or how Baskin Robbins cleverly hides a “31” in its logo to highlight the brand’s 31 different ice cream flavors. These design details weren’t accidents. They were placed with intention and creativity.

In a similar way, the biblical authors often emphasized something you might not notice at first, but once you do, you can’t unsee it.

Can you guess what it is?

It’s the sanctuary.

The entire biblical story is bookended by a sanctuary motif. In Genesis, God creates Adam and Eve to dwell with Him in the Garden, a space that scholars describe as the first sanctuary. In Revelation, God once again dwells with His people in the New Jerusalem, a sanctuary city safe from sin. The Psalms overflow with sanctuary language. And Jesus Himself referred to His body as the sanctuary that would be destroyed and rebuilt in three days.

Can’t unsee it now, right?

So why were the biblical authors so focused on this theme? Because the sanctuary reveals one of the greatest realities in all of Scripture: God with us.

Yes, these ancient writers lived in a different world, but they were still human. Like us, they wrestled with fear, shame, and sorrow. And the one truth that carried them through?

God was with them.

So the next time you come across a sanctuary reference in Scripture, pause for a second. Close your eyes. And thank our Father for that powerful truth. He has always wanted to dwell with us.

And He still does.

You just can’t unsee it now.

Pastor Rhidge Garcia