ODJ: holy ground

September 14, 2015 

READ: Exodus 3:1-6 

You are standing on holy ground (v.5).

As a teenager I travelled from America to London on a school trip. Just 14 years old, I regrettably paid more attention to my meals and classmates than to the impressive sights around me. One day, however, I encountered the ruins of a Roman wall. I was awestruck, and my attention was temporarily diverted from typical teenage interests. It was humbling to touch something so ancient. The moss and stone seemed sacred, and I felt as if I were standing on holy ground.

Moses once stood on truly sacred soil. It happened one day as he was watching his sheep in the wilderness. What’s that? A bush engulfed in flames, yet not consumed! He approached the flaming shrub and heard the voice of God: “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground” (Exodus 3:5). This moment in Moses’ life ignited a series of dramatic events that God used to prepare him to lead his people out of Egypt and towards the Promised Land (12:31-32; Deuteronomy 34:1-4). But before embarking on his adventure, Moses humbled himself before God. He “covered his face”, motivated by reverent fear (Exodus 3:6; see also Proverbs 1:7).

Have you experienced a moment like that? It can be so good for us to be humbled before God and to experience reverent fear. Let’s face it—we can get a bit too comfortable with His presence in our lives. We fail to see His power and majesty. But when God’s presence is undeniably palpable—when we’re awestruck by His holiness—we can’t help but bow down and worship Him!

Yes, God is great, far greater than weathered Roman walls (Psalm 86:10). He alone is worthy of our reverent fear and passionate worship (130:3-4).

—Andy Rogers

365-day-plan: John 14:1-14