Reflection for Monday 15 March 2021

Reading : Exodus 3:1-6

Then the Lord said, "Come no closer, remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is Holy ground"

Moses was at work, watching his father-in-law’s sheep, when he had the most unexpected and extraordinary experience of God’s presence.

I expect for most of us we expect to encounter God in places set aside of worship, but we also know that God is not confined to church buildings, or religious ritual, and in fact he can show up wherever and whenever he wants.

We know from scripture that God speaks from the clouds, from the mouths of donkeys and angels, and for Moses God spoke from the midst of a burning bush.

God alone, will decide that which is Holy, our task is to be aware of this, and to respond by taking off our shoes, to turn our gaze toward him, and to listen in humility as he brings us the message he wishes to impart.

I wonder if you have ever had an encounter with the Holy One, perhaps in a place you’d least expected it?

I can remember visiting a lady who had been a prayerful servant in the healing ministry. She had held prayer meetings and services of healing for over 50 years. Her name was Bet, and she was a tiny little woman, very frail as she got older, her eyesight was failing, and she was very unsteady on her feet, but when she got up to speak, or when she prayed with someone, the strength of the Lord, and the light of Christ shone out from her.

Through time she was unable to stay in her own home and moved into care, but week in week out she continued her ministry from her bedroom, and towards the end, from her bed.

I visited her a few times there, and every time as I entered that little room, I was aware I was standing on Holy ground. God was present and all I could do was respond in reverence and awe.

PRAYER

God of shepherds and sheep, Moses and me, you speak to us through ordinary encounters.

You go to extraordinary lengths to communicate to us and to reassure us to your presence, and to enlist us for your service.

Give us eyes to see and ears to hear. Show us when to speak up and when to keep quiet.

Tell us when to take off our shoes and when to put on our full armour.

May all we do today reflect our awareness of your presence.

Amen.