In Exodus 3, we read the story of the burning bush, where Moses encounters God for the first time.
In the account that’s recorded in Exodus, Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law. When he came to Horeb, the mountain of God, he saw a burning bush which although on fire, did not appear to be burning up.
In verses 4-6, we read ‘When the Lord saw that he (Moses) had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Then he said, “I am the God of your father the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.’ (Exodus 3:4-6)
In considering the account of Moses and thinking of how we as Christians today respond to God’s sacred space and holy ground, the writer of a devotional I read recently said this:
“Sometimes I wonder if, as Christians, we’re losing our understanding of sacred space and holy ground. For some folks, the church has almost become a leisure activity in the same league as weekly sports, pastimes, or hobbies, instead of a sacred time in the midst of our busy schedules or a holy break to refresh our spirits and reconnect ourselves with God. I see folks that I dearly love looking weary and tired, through trying to cope with family pressures, health changes, or career responsibilities. They’re constantly giving and emptying themselves, or busying and stressing themselves.
“ I want to tell them that God didn’t create us to always be active; He made us to enjoy His works and be strengthened in His sacred presence. ”
I want to encourage them to rediscover the peace of God in their lives and find a sanctuary in His holy house. I want to tell them that God didn’t create us to always be active; He made us to enjoy His works and be strengthened in His sacred presence. When I read how God called Moses from the burning bush and asked him to remove his sandals, I am reminded of what holy ground and sacred space are: they are places where God’s presence is intimately experienced and deeply felt. It’s a place and a time for dwelling in the mysterious moment of God’s grace and love. It’s a divine dimension where Heaven comes down to the Earth so we, as beautiful and unique creatures, can be touched by the Perfect One who made us. It’s where we learn that worship is not a timetabled activity, but an eternal part of our relationship with the Everlasting Creator. There is no other experience like it, which is why where it happens becomes holy and sacred ground.”
Whatever you are going through right now, I encourage you to seek God’s presence in the midst of it. Whatever pressure you are under, or issue you are struggling with, look for God’s holiness in it. Make time to find what is sacred, instead of dwelling on what makes you scared. Take off your shoes and dance with God, for holy ground is where we can best delight in His pleasure, blessing, and love. I encourage each of us (myself included!) to take some time during our busy schedules this term and over the break to experience God’s presence in an intimate way, a presence that is available to all believers. Don’t wait until Sunday to worship God – we have the opportunity to worship him each and every day!
David Gillman — CEO Christian Schools Tasmania