Joshua 10-12

Luke 1:39-56

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

When Moses encountered God at the burning bush, little did he know he was about to be commissioned for a monumental task that

would shake him to the core. For the last 40 years, he had been a simple sheepherder, but God revealed to him that He had set him apart for a divine purpose. To begin, He told him: “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Other than a show of reverence, what significance was there in Moses taking off his shoes?

God said to Moses, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob....
I have indeed seen the misery of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them....I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them....I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt….I will be with you” (Exodus 3:6-12).

Seven times within these verses God referred to Himself, saying, “Moses, I am going to deliver the Israelites. I have seen…I have heard...I have felt…I will do…and I am sending you. So, Moses, take off your shoes because it is I, God, who will be responsible, but I am going to do it in your shoes. Every place where you set your feet will be holy ground, because I am with you.” Moses had every reason to be reluctant. He was 80 years old, a failure, a fugitive and poor in speech. What did he know of freeing and leading over two million people out of slavery?

The basic principle of Christian living and service is knowing we are unable to do what God calls us to do. What qualifies us to be of service to God are not our own strengths and resources but His life within us. We are not invited to work for God, but with God, while we leave the consequences to Him.

The prophet Isaiah tells us, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace...” (Isaiah 52:7). God is not interested in our ability, but our willingness to go where He has called us; hence, the first part of our anatomy He requires is our feet. As it was for Moses, what God calls us to do will be a directed work, a delivering work and, sometimes, even a dangerous work, but it will result in dynamic work. As we serve God, may we metaphorically take off our sandals and allow Him to fill them.

Dear Lord, may I recognize that my ability to serve in Your kingdom work is not based on my strength or resources, but Your life in me. Thank You, Lord.