Tuesday, July 11, 2017

For He Alone is Holy


“Do not come any closer,” God
said. “Take off your sandals, for
the place where you are standing
is holy ground.”
Exodus 3:5

Recently there has been a video of a magician circulating on social media. He looks as if his body has been cut in half. Walking through the park his video crew captures the reaction of those he encounters. Some people scream and run, others look bewildered and some, recognizing a good trick, walk up and shake the magician’s hand. What would you do?

Moses faced that dilemma as he stood before a bush that burned yet was not consumed. Not only did he see the bush burning, but he heard a voice calling out to him from within the bush. “Moses, Moses!” His response, “Here I am.” God continued to speak from the bush, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”

Holy—a sacred place, a sanctuary, set apart as dedicated to God. This was a place set apart from the norm because God was present. Have you ever visited a place that overwhelmed you with the presence of the Holy God?

On a trip to Europe, we spent the night on San Clemente Island just off the shore of Venice, Italy. At one time the grand hotel had been a monastery. At the end of the restored building was a small church—untouched. Built in the 1100’s, the frescos hung faded and partially destroyed. In places, the walls crumbled. It was unlike the great cathedrals we visited in London; Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral where I was overwhelmed by the history and beauty of the building but felt no connection to my God.

Immediately upon stepping across the threshold and into the open sanctuary area of the neglected church, I felt the presence of God; holy ground. I remarked to the others that God had surely done something special in that place. Although time had robbed the building of its once displayed glory, the glory of our Holy God remained. It caught me by surprise. I wanted to whisper and walk gently—take off my shoes.

That experience reminded me that when I enter the presence of Jehovah God, I must remember that I am standing on holy ground; a sacred place. It is no casual thing to bow before the Living God! He is holy, and I am blessed to be able to come into His Presence.

Today is a good day to remember that we serve a Holy God! Moses and the Israelites got it right in their song of praise recorded in Exodus 15.

“Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?”

I think you would agree that there is none like Him for He alone is Holy! 

© Joyce Powell
2012

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