The Burn

In Exodus 3 we see another man called out by God – Moses.

 So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”

God’s call this time came in a burning bush that was not consumed.  Fire represented holiness.  And when God spoke he simply called Moses’ name.  And note Moses’ response: “Here I am.”

God then instructed Moses to remove his sandals, because he was on holy ground before a holy God.

I love the imagery here, imagining a bush on fire yet not burning up, and Moses walking by, astonished at this sight.  I would be, too!  Moses went closer to check it out, and that’s when God called him.

I think it’s so cool that Moses went closer to check it out.  When holiness is near and we feel the heat of the burn, it would be best if we draw near and listen for God’s call out of that burning.

In other words, there are times when God will be so near that we can feel the heat of the flames and will be drawn in.  But as we draw closer, we will realize that in humility and honor we must come near, by removing that which is the dirtiest (symbolized by the sandals). 

Thank God for Jesus, who removes all our sin and filth, and because of his great sacrifice we can now enter into that flame of holiness and feel the burn, while experiencing the cleanse.

Draw near to the flame.  Listen for his voice calling your name.  Then allow Christ to remove the dirtiest part of you, while you stand before a holy God in awe and worship.

Then bask in the glow of the burn…