Exodus 3:4-5 - Holy Ground

Think through the hospice tasks you have today, and where you will be. Some tasks are distasteful, right? (Giving enemas, cleaning necrotic tissue from a wound, dealing with bucky people, attending a boring meeting, etc.) How can any of that be "holy?"

In the Old Testament, Moses was tapped by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery and into the land promised to their forefathers.

To get the attention of Moses, God showed up in a bush that was burning but never burned up. Moses' curiosity was piqued...

“When the Lord saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, 'Moses! Moses!'

'Here I am!' Moses replied.

'Do not come any closer,' the Lord warned. 'Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground.” Exodus 3:4–5 (New Living Translation) 

Moses didn't need any encouragement to keep his distance. Moses "hid his face" (v.6) and that's when God gave Moses instructions to tell Pharoah, "Let My people go..." (v.10)

Later, Israel was about to go to battle with the city of Jericho. An angel, the " commander of the Lord's armies appeared to Joshua. Prior to any battle plans...

“The commander of the Lord’s army to Joshua, 'Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.' When Joshua responded to God, he was instructed to march around Jericho until if fell.” Joshua 5:15 (NLT)

Like me, you've probably seen some very impressive, awe-inspiring church structures. A couple years ago, Carolyn and I climbed the dome of St. Peter's in the Vatican. But both Moses and Joshua were standing on dirt. One chorus says, "We're standing on holy ground, for the Lord is here, and where He is is holy." God is everywhere, so what makes dirt "holy?" Any place is holy to those ready to listen to a holy God. But wherever you are, whatever distasteful tasks you do, it is a holy place as you listen for God.

Lord, we cannot make You any more "present" than you already are. But as you speak to us: in a car, at a desk, with patients--remind us that You are there as much as You are in any church building. Give us ears to listen to what You have for us, moment by moment. In Jesus' Name, Amen.