The Gate — J Calaway — Make Today Count — Take Off Your Shoes

The picture of Moses taking of his shoes in the desert in front of a burning bush is quite a picture. The bush is not consumed by the fire and when he turns to pay attention (Ex 3:3) he is commanded to take off his shoes. (Ex 3:5)

Why did God ask Moses to remove his sandals? In ancient cultures, removing one's shoes was a sign of respect and humility. It was an acknowledgment of entering a sacred space. By asking Moses to take off his sandals, God was inviting him to recognize the holiness of the moment and the presence of the divine.

This act of removing sandals symbolizes several key spiritual truths.

First, it signifies reverence. When we approach God, we must do so with a heart of reverence and awe. We are stepping into the presence of the Almighty, and that requires humility and respect.

Second, it represents purity. Sandals, which have walked through the dust and dirt, are a metaphor for the impurities and distractions of our daily lives. By removing them, Moses was symbolically shedding the distractions and impurities, preparing himself to fully engage with God.

Third, it highlights the concept of holy ground. The ground itself wasn't inherently holy; it was made holy by God's presence. This reminds us that any place can become holy ground when we are aware of God's presence. Whether it's our home, workplace, or even a quiet corner in a busy city, we can encounter God anywhere.

So, how can we apply this to our lives today? Here are three practical steps:

1. Create Sacred Spaces: Designate a specific place for prayer and reflection in your home. It doesn't have to be elaborate; it just needs to be a place where you can focus on God without distractions.

2. Practice Reverence: Approach your time with God with a heart of reverence. This could mean starting your prayer time with a moment of silence, acknowledging God's presence, and expressing your awe and gratitude.

3. Remove Distractions: Just as Moses removed his sandals, we can remove distractions that hinder our connection with God. This might mean turning off your phone, finding a quiet place, or setting aside specific times for uninterrupted prayer and reflection.

Remember, the ground you stand on can become holy ground when you invite God's presence into your life. Just as Moses encountered God in the burning bush, we too can experience God's presence in our everyday moments.

Make Today Count by recognizing the holy ground in our lives and approaching God with reverence, purity, and a heart ready to listen.