As you read this post, you are may be going through the
Lenten practice of reflection on and recommitment to God’s purpose(s) in your
life. This forty-day period of intense devotional preparation for Easter, based
on Jesus’ own wilderness preparation, is one of the places where sacred space
is needed.
You might be reminded of the February Midbar post that spoke
of the need for sacred space in our lives. We explored
the notion that sacred space often is created by God to help us experience the
divine in new and significant ways.
Experiencing God in New Ways
Even though few have had a “burning bush” experiences, Moses’
story as seen in Exodus 3:4-7, 10 (I’m using the CEB below) can tell us a lot
about how we might experience God’s presence.
God Calls Us by Name
The first step to finding sacred space is to recognize that
God is calling out to us: When the LORD saw that he was coming to look, God
called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” This prompted the following
response: Moses said, “I’m here.” We can see the importance of being still
enough to hear God’s voice calling out to us.
God is Awesome!
Next, we should recognize the holiness and awe-inspiring
nature of God. It is easy to forget we are in the presence of the one who not
only created us but the entire universe. Then the LORD said, “Don’t come any
closer! Take off your sandals, because you are standing on holy ground.”
By commanding Moses to take his sandals off, which were coated
with sheep manure, God is indicating that Moses needs to separate himself from
the stinky stuff he had been carrying with him. Then we see the result of
Moses’ divine encounter: ‘Moses hid his face because he was afraid to look at
God.’
Other scripture shows the importance of removing our
sandals. Joshua 5:15 The commander of the LORD's heavenly force said to Joshua,
"Take your sandals off your feet because the place where you are standing
is holy." So Joshua did this. Acts 7:33 The Lord continued, Remove the
sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy
ground.
A Response is Needed
Although there are times when it is enough to simply
recognize the awesome wonder of God, most often a response on our part is
required. God calls us to be his hands and feet to fulfill the purpose of
establishing his kingdom on earth. God clearly wanted a response from Moses. Then
the LORD said, “I've clearly seen my people oppressed in Egypt. I’ve heard
their cry of injustice because of their slave masters. I know about their pain
... So get going. I’m sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the
Israelites, out of Egypt.”
As we encounter God on our journey through Lent, it will be
helpful to remember Moses’ burning bush experience. First, God called. And,
Moses heard. Then, Moses took off his sandals in God’s holy presence. After
which, Moses responded.
I would like to leave you with a prayer for sacred space so
that you might hear God, recognize his holiness and respond to bring the
kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
Pray with Your Sandals Off
Help me to be open to you for this time as I put aside the
cares of this world. Fill my mind with your peace and your love.
May I never take the gift of freedom for granted. You gave me
the great blessing of freedom of spirit. Fill my spirit with your peace and
your joy.
Help me Lord to be more conscious of your presence. Teach me
to recognise your presence in others. Fill my heart with gratitude for the
times your love has been shown to me through the care of others.
Glory be to God. Amen
Imagine Jesus sitting or standing near you and open your heart to him.
What feelings are rising in you as you pray?
How is he calling you to be transformed?
How is he asking you to transform the world around you?
