As a teenager, I traveled from the United States to London on a school-sponsored trip. Just 14 years old, I regrettably paid more attention to my meals and classmates than to the impressive sights around me. One day, however, I encountered the ruins of a Roman wall. I was awestruck, and my attention was temporarily diverted from typical teenage interests. It was humbling to touch something so ancient. The moss and stone seemed sacred, and I felt as if I were standing on holy ground.
Moses once stood on truly sacred soil. It happened one day as he was watching his sheep in the wilderness. What’s that? A bush engulfed in flames, yet not consumed! He approached the flaming shrub and heard the voice of God: “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground” (Exodus 3:5). This moment in Moses’ life ignited a series of dramatic events that God used to prepare him to lead his people out of Egypt and toward the Promised Land (Exodus 12:31-32; Deuteronomy 34:1-4). But before embarking on his adventure, Moses humbled himself before God. He “covered his face,” motivated by reverent fear (Exodus 3:6; see also Proverbs 1:7).
Have you experienced a moment like that? It can be so good for us to be humbled before God and to experience reverent fear. Let’s face it—we can get a bit too comfortable with His presence in our lives. We fail to see His power and majesty. But when God’s presence is undeniably palpable—when we’re awestruck by His holiness—we can’t help but bow down and worship Him!
Yes, God is great, far greater than weathered Roman walls (Psalm 86:10). He alone is worthy of our reverent fear and fervent worship (Psalm 130:3-4).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 14:1-14
More:
Read Hebrews 12:28-29 and consider what it says about God and our need to worship Him “with holy fear and awe.”
Next:
When have you been awestruck by something ancient or sacred? How will you worship God reverently and passionately today?
Gary Shultz on September 14, 2015 at 6:59 am
I don’t think I have actually had the same type of experience as Moses, and that’s alright because the Spirit does at times make Himself so evident that we are swept away by His presence. Joy, conviction, humbleness, gratitude are some of the things that work in a very close way when that moment arrives and we are lifted in Spirit to worship our God. May we find ourselves there more often. Thanks
Andy Rogers on September 14, 2015 at 3:55 pm
Thanks, Gary! I agree. When I have felt like I’m closer to God’s presence — when either he has brought himself closer to me, or when he has drawn me closer to him — I have indeed felt more joy, more humility, and certainly more conviction. There’s something about his presence that has brought me to more freely confess my sin, but not to feel more guilt. He is truly good to us.
Tom Felten on September 14, 2015 at 9:16 am
Andy, I’m reminded that people in the Scriptures often ended up falling facedown as they experienced God’s glory and presence. He is truly a holy, awesome God!
Andy Rogers on September 14, 2015 at 3:58 pm
It’s easy to understand why. Can you imagine actually seeing a bush on fire yet not be consumed? It defies logic, science, and nature — truly a miracle. I have to confess, if I saw something like that today I’m not sure what I’d do. I’d probably be shocked! Falling on my face would be my only option. 🙂