Holy Ground

Some years ago, my husband and I and a friend explored Camp Columbia on Thetis Island, off Vancouver Island, Canada. The camp had just been permanently closed — the end of an era for thousands of campers. As we wandered over the grounds, I reminisced about my camp days in that wonderful place. Each year on the last night of camp, we were led silently, in single file, to the end of a trail that opened into a large area covered in flat rock. At this spot, called Indian Rock, our "Chiefie" spoke inspiring words. As a twelve-year-old, that experience made a profound impression on me. It was the first time that I had felt such an overwhelming presence of God.

As Terry and I and our friend reached Indian Rock, I felt as if I were once again standing on holy ground. I just wanted to soak in the atmosphere that was still all around me. The constant chatter of my companions led me to put my finger to my lips and whisper, "Shh!" I wanted to stay longer in the place that marked such a milestone in my life. All too soon, it was time to leave and catch the little ferry that would take us back to the main island.

My experience of holy ground was similar to that of Moses.

Exodus 3:2-5 – There the angel of the Lord appeared to [Moses] in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn't burn up. "This is amazing," Moses said to himself. "Why isn't that bush burning up? I must go see it." When the Lord saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, "Moses! Moses!" "Here I am!" Moses replied. "Do not come any closer," the Lord warned. "Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground." (NLT)

Moses was awed by the presence of the Lord, and knelt down to unfasten his sandals. He didn't realize that this reverential posture was the beginning of his calling to servanthood.

Jesus displayed the same posture of servanthood as did Moses, when He stooped down to wash the disciples' feet on the night of the Last Supper.

John 13:14-15 – And since I [Jesus], your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. (NLT)

Part of the salvation message that those disciples would be taking to the world was to serve others.

As wonderful as it is to have powerful experiences of God's presence, He does not intend us to camp out on holy ground, but rather, He has given us a job to do: serving others.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to understand that experiencing Your presence is just the beginning of our service to others. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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