Each Sunday my local church begins our service with a call to worship—a song declaring that we gather to proclaim God’s goodness and beauty. As we sing, we’re also affirming that we live as citizens of His kingdom. Although during most of the worship we encourage people to choose their own posture, in this opening song we always ask our people to stand. We want to open the service conscious of standing in God’s presence, reverently honoring the One who’s other than us.
Moses had a similar experience of awareness that he was in the presence of God. After fleeing Egypt, Moses had been tending his father-in-law’s flocks in the Midian desert for decades. On one occasion, Scripture reveals that Moses “led the flock far into the wilderness.” He was also far from his home, people, and from where he would have expected to be at this stage in his life (Exodus 3:1). God, however, was not far away—He was very near.
Alone, Moses glimpsed a flash of fire and turned to see a “bush . . . engulfed in flames,” only the flaming bush “didn’t burn up” (Exodus 3:2). As Moses drew close, “God called to him from the middle of the bush.” Likely with a voice that was quavering, Moses said, “Here I am!” (Exodus 3:4).
“ ‘Do not come any closer,’ the Lord warned. ‘Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. I am the God of . . . Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ ” Struck with awe, Moses “covered his face because he was afraid to look at God” (Exodus 3:5-6).
Of course Moses was afraid! If we were to stand before God Almighty and not quiver, something would be wrong. God is love, but there should be moments in our life where our encounter with Him—the holy One who is other—leaves us trembling and in awe.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Psalm 51:1-19
More:
Read Isaiah 44:6-8 and consider how God describes Himself.
Next:
How have you been tempted to discount the otherness, or holiness, of God? Where and when have you encountered God as the “Holy Other”?
rkb60 on May 15, 2017 at 4:51 am
When at the bedside of a gentleman who was a fellow church member, he was close to the end of his life, his faith and those around his bed could sense the peace that surrounded him! The peace of our Lord was with him in his last moments with us. He passed away without fear.
Gary Shultz on May 15, 2017 at 6:00 am
Hi Winn: As most, I supposed, in thought or speech we would not consciously say or think God is a little less than we expected or hoped. Yet we will withdraw from closeness and rationalize our retraction from the warmth of God’ fellowship. As we drift away, discounted views, and self gratification soon fill the spot God’s presence occupied. Hopefully we find ourselves on a short leash and soon recognize we are sorely lacking the wisdom and warmth of God’s holy presence. Finding God as the “Holy Other” to me, as I have had limited conversation with others as how they experience this, can happen at any time, any where. God presses His Spirit with a point, a mark of His majesty, or the lavishness of His love and we stand, as Moses, in awe of God’s over powering presence. It may bring tears, it may bring a song, but it will bring a reaction of response to the Father who loves us. Thanks Winn
I would like to say I was greatly humbled by actually having people request and share concern about my absence for a week. Like Jeff O., at times I escape for some fishing. Often the WiFi is limited, I used the time I could access it, to use these devos with the men each morning. I did not read the comments, but was touched by reading those back issues. One lovely member from the coast contacted me to see if I was still in existence, and with thanks I assured her I was. Thank you family of friends.
sandy229 on May 15, 2017 at 10:53 am
Good to see you are back Gary! Glad you had a relaxing time away from it all.
4everthankful on May 15, 2017 at 8:41 am
Well…Gary you can tell that along with many others who read these devos every morning, you are also read. Glad to see you yesterday and your explanation for your absence. Nice to know that you were having good times with friends and sharing God with others too. Hope you caught the big one! Welcome back! I, for one, enjoy your down home responses and humility. God blessed you with a sense of humor.
sandy229 on May 15, 2017 at 11:21 am
To worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness is to worship God in the adornment, enrichment, and enhancement of His “otherness” and sacredness. He is so separate and set apart from all that he created. He is the Holy One-this is His crowning attribute that sums up all of His attributes.. The holiness of God is the lyric and the theme of songs of heaven sung by angels, seraphim, and cherubim (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8). To worship God in the beauty of His holiness keeps our worship transcendent and God centered; that is, unrestricted by the world’s style and unpolluted by human self-centeredness.
That to which we incline and devote our hearts decides what we will serve and become. We are called to worship with a heart that rejoices in seeking the Lord; a heart full of praise and thanksgiving.
Tom Felten on May 15, 2017 at 1:54 pm
Winn, I’m reminded of Tozer’s quote: “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” To live in awe of Him, reverently fearing Him, is so appropriate. It provides the means for viewing all of life the way it truly is.