Daily PresenceSample

I’ve always loved airports. The concoction of smells in the international cafeteria, the hustle and bustle of people weaving through crowds, the massive piles of strangers huddled around cell phone charging stations. Ah, I’m getting warm inside just thinking about it :)

Airports are an exciting experience for me. Every part except the dreaded “security line.” Yikes, just typing those words stresses me out. Nobody likes to gradually shuffle through a long line but the real terror begins when the shoes start to come off. The moment you realize, “I should have just worn crocs, these laces aren’t worth it.”

I wonder if Moses thought the same thing? I imagine him in those stereotypical “Gladiator” sandals, nervously unwrapping the straps and he enters holy ground. God’s presence was a very serious matter for Moses. Yes, even more serious than a “security line.” Mankind did not relate to God in a casual manner in Moses’ day. The holiness of God was dangerous. God’s people took care to only come into His presence when they had taken drastic measures to cleanse themselves of unrighteousness. Even when Moses removes his shoes, God tells him to “stay where he is.”

Exodus 3:5-6 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.

Praise God, things have changed. Jesus bled for our unrighteousness so that the Spirit may reside in us. Did you read that?! IN US! No more shoes have to come off, no more blood offerings to be made. We carry His Spirit with us as we live and breathe. We exist in His presence because Jesus stands in the gap. I live my life in reverence to a Holy God who has paid in blood to allow me to freely enter.