Monday, December 5

MOSES STEPS ONTO HOLY GROUND

Exodus 3

We have all read of, or heard of, the miracles in the life of Moses. He smote the Egyptians with God’s wonders, and led the Israelites out of Egypt. He stretched forth God’s staff, and led the Israelites onto dry ground across the Red Sea. He was provided for graciously as he journeyed into the wilderness, and led the Israelites towards the Promised Land. First, however, Moses stepped onto holy ground.

As a response to God’s call, Moses came to the mountain of God “where the angel of the Lord appeared in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush.” Moses, though he loved the Lord God, was just a man who happened to be curious. He turned aside from God and looked on the bush to reason intellectually in thought, feeling, and will. In other words, Moses was detached from God’s will and good pleasure, and allowed his own thoughts, imaginations, and feelings to develop. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? These thoughts and feelings that originate in our own minds are of no use to God. Moses’ initial response to the burning bush was to determine why the bush was not burnt. If that thought had been entertained, where would it have led? Separate from God, a wrong mindset is determined, a wrong judgment is expressed, and a wrong god is glorified. Is this not what separated Adam and Eve from God in the Garden?

God, in His mercy, called Moses back to Himself, and instructed Moses to “put off thy shoes from off thy feet for the place where thou standest is holy ground.” God knew Moses was distracted in thought, and advised him to “put off” his own thoughts and feelings. Moses now responds with a full desire to be consumed by the will of God. Moses came before a Holy God, without his own thoughts—consumed with God—and humbly received, resulting in a changed heart. He received the commandments of God, and obeyed. Jesus calls us to come holy. Respond to Jesus Christ, The Holy One, His way.

So, “put off your shoes.” Respond with respect for a Holy God. The temptation to bring with us the dirt on our shoes before the throne of God is dangerous. Think about it. Where have your shoes been? Where are they today? Where are they going? What do you carry on them? The belief’s of Jesus or someone else? In addition, the very shoes that are meant to protect us can keep us from the pricks. Jesus says not to kick against the pricks. These pricks are a divine impulse. Be pierced by the pricks, and then by His stripes, be healed. Jesus desires to be our God, and for us to be His people. Let us commune with Him to learn His thoughts and desires. Come and be consumed by Him to be led by His will. Jesus will work in us to “will and to do His good pleasure”, if we let Him. Then we can put on the shoes God gives, to ready us for His journey in Christ Jesus, and walk by faith. May you have a very Blessed Christmas as you step onto Holy Ground?

~ Cheryl Helgert