Scripture: Exodus 3:1-5
Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 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.”
Thought for the Day: In the midst of the Columbus, OH, conventions center, I have found myself standing on holy ground. I have heard some amazing sermons and messages that have spoken clearly and passionately about the issues that individuals, communities, nations and the very earth are facing. From hopelessness to injustice – from fear to forsakenness – from hate to grief – from human trafficking to mental health – from environmental concerns to poverty… we have heard about specific people being dramatically impacted by sin and darkness, yet that’s not been the end of the story. We have heard the words of Paul spoken into the darkness, “We are pushed down, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair…” There are so many warm and joy-filled stories of how God is at work in difficult and dark circumstances, and for those of us who have heard the stories, we feel as if we are standing on holy ground…holy and hope-filled ground.
Prayer: God of everlasting kindness, thank you for not leaving us in the darkness of despair. In the midst of personal and communal difficulties, provide us your visionary spirit that allows us to glimpse your work of transformation – your kingdom coming alive. Amen.
