November 19, 2016 – 35 Days Until My Head Explodes, Or
Devotions to Prepare Us For Christ’s Coming

“Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush; he looked, and the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed. Then Moses said, “I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up.” When the LORD saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then he said, “Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” He said further, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.” Exodus 3:1-6

Look at what might happen if you get too close to the bushes when trying to decorate them for the holiday season. I think this bush is saying “If you choose not to trim me the right way, you know keeping me looking “good”, I will not let you trim me with lights or other decorations until you find some sense of responsibility.” Nothing more evil looking than a bush that wants to devour anyone who gets too close – sort of reminds me of “Audrey II” from Little Shop Of Horrors.

“Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” He said further, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.”
Why is it that too many people fear getting closer to G-d? Are too many afraid that G-d will consume them because they are too sinful? Or are the afraid that G-d will ask so much of them that it will consume too much of their time? My friends, G-d is not looking to devour us, G-d is simply looking to surround us with love, mercy and Grace. It is G-d who will rescue us when we feel as if everything around us is falling apart. How does G-d do that? G-d comes to us in the sacraments of Holy Communion and Holy Baptism, through the Word of G-d that we read and hear preached, through the words of forgiveness that we offer each other and that G-d offers to us, and through the consolation of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

My friends, although G-d told Moses to “come no closer” at the burning bush, Moses grew closer and closer to G-d through his actions and faith – so close in fact that Moses got to see more of G-d than any other person. The closer we get to G-d, the more we will see and experience G-d’s love, mercy and Grace.

Pastor Dave