Exodus chapter three gives the account of Moses being called aside by God. He witnessed a bush that was on fire, but was not burning up. Being curious, he “turned aside” to see this wonder before him. As he turned his attention to the bush, God spoke to him from within the fire. “Moses, Moses!” And Moses responded, “Here am I.”
What was Moses doing when this happened? He was a shepherd tending sheep on the mountainside. His job was to tend the flock and keep them safe. (Jesus is our Good Shepherd.)
Verses 5-7 go on: God said, “Do not approach any closer! Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” He added, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Then Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God. The LORD said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt. I have heard their cry …”
What does it mean to stand on holy ground? I think any place God designates is holy ground. It may be a building set aside to worship Him. It might be the place you set aside in your home to study and worship, or it might be the aisle in the grocery store where you have a Divine encounter with someone. God wants an encounter with us, and wherever that happens is holy ground. When we hear God calling, let our response be “Here am I.”
Secondly, the passage says that God has heard the cry of His people. We are assured that our prayers are heard by God Himself. That is so comforting; His ear is attuned to our prayers. Hebrews chapter 4:15-16 puts it this way: For we do not have a high priest (Jesus) incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help.
Amen.
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