Holiness – Holy Ground (365/162)
- Jul 19
- 2 min read
There are places where we instinctively lower our voices - a hospital room, a funeral service, a memorial site. We sense that some moments call for reverence. How much more in God’s presence?
In Exodus 3, when Moses encountered God in the burning bush, God said to him, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground” (v5). Later, when he longed to see God’s glory, God placed him in the cleft of a rock as His glory passed by (Exodus 33:18–23). Moses did not define the terms of the encounter; he submitted to God's way.
Uzzah's story ends differently. God had given clear instructions that nothing holy was to be touched (Numbers 4:15). And yet, when the oxen stumbled and the ark seemed in danger, Uzzah reached out to steady it (2 Samuel 6:6–7). His intentions may have appeared noble, but he disregarded God's clear instructions. Good intentions can never replace obedience.
Christ is our Rock and our Mediator, through whom we may "draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith" (Hebrews 10:22). Yet grace never diminishes reverence. The God who welcomes us into His presence is still the consuming fire (Hebrews 12:28–29).
Pause and Ponder
Do I approach God's presence with reverence or with casual familiarity?
Where am I focusing on good intentions rather than simple obedience to God's Word?
How has time spent in God's presence transformed my attitudes, words, and actions?
May we never approach God casually, but on His terms, so that we are not destroyed but transformed.
Holy God, keep me from presumption and draw me near through Christ, in awe, humility and obedience that my life may reflect the beauty of Your holiness. Amen.
Extended Reading: Exodus 3, 2 Samuel 6
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