The most famous scene in Disney’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is when Quasimodo saves Esmeralda from execution, rushes her to the cathedral and cries, “Sanctuary!”

What does that mean?

In ancient history, up through the medieval period, when a person committed a crime, even as heinous as murder, and then ran to the church to claim “sanctuary!,” no one could could come in and harm, arrest or remove them for punishment.

At least for a while, even while guilty, they were safe.

Now, let’s go back even further in time to the 6th Century B.C. After God has brought severe judgment on Israel due to their blatant, ongoing, incessant evil, he reminds Ezekiel of his promise to to restore Israel. God says,

“For a little while, I have been a sanctuary for them…” (11:16)

Do you feel vulnerable, anxious, or fearful? Run to God, who is our “sanctuary.”

Have you done something the devil has convinced you is so bad God could never forgive you? Run to God, who is our “sanctuary.”

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” – Proverbs 18:10

Sanctuary!, Nick