"Entering His Presence: Embracing Reverence, Humility, and the Holiness of God"

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

Joshua 5:15 "The commander of the Lord’s army replied, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.’ And Joshua did so."

Acts 7:33 "Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.'"

Stepping onto Holy Ground signifies entering into the sacred presence of God. In Exodus 3, when Moses encountered the burning bush, God instructed him to remove any barriers because the ground was holy. This act symbolizes reverence, humility, and acknowledgment of God's holiness.

Similarly, in Joshua 5, Joshua encountered the commander of the Lord’s army before the battle of Jericho. Again, he was instructed to remove anything that hinders reverence and humility, signifying the sacredness of the moment and the presence of God.

When we approach God, whether in prayer, worship, or meditation, we must do so with reverence and humility, recognizing His holiness and sovereignty. Just as Moses and Joshua removed anything that hindered their reverence and awe of God, we too must remove anything that distracts or hinders our communion with Him.

In our daily lives, stepping onto Holy Ground can also represent entering into moments of divine encounter and revelation. It could be during times of prayer, reading the Word, or participating in corporate worship. In these moments, we must remove the distractions and barriers that prevent us from fully experiencing God's presence.

Let us strive to cultivate a heart posture of reverence and humility, always mindful of the holiness of God and the sacredness of the moments we spend in His presence. As we do so, may we draw closer to Him and experience the fullness of His love, grace, and power in our lives.

Consider Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, who sat at the feet of Jesus, listening to His teaching (Luke 10:38-42). In this encounter, Mary demonstrated humility and reverence by positioning herself close to Jesus, eager to learn from Him. She recognized the sacredness of being in His presence and prioritized communion with Him above all else. May we emulate Mary's example by eagerly seeking the presence of God and positioning ourselves to receive from Him with reverence and humility.