Do not be afraid (take off your shoes)

One of the causes of hesitation on the part of those who contemplate total obedience to God is the niggling fear of what God would ask them to do. What sacrifices they would be required to make, what deprivations to smile at... Take off your shoes.

“Take off your shoes?” Yes. Do just that. Shoes are worn specifically to protect the feet, and thereby the wearer. We don’t always see the floor as we are moving, and who knows what harm waits on the ground as we move? So we wear shoes. That’s smart and recommended; that is unless you are on holy ground. God said, "Do not come any closer. Take off your sandals, because you are standing on holy ground.” Ex 3:5(GNB). Moses had been moving with the flock and crossed the desert, and now came to a mountain. He needed the protection in the desert and mountains and anywhere else. But in the presence of God he didn’t need to protect himself. In fact you are required to remove you self protecting tendency when you come to the presence of God. He is our protection. If you are dealing with men, even with a lover, bosom friend, or close relation you know what is in man and retain a measure of caution, some discretion. After all Jesus did not trust himself unto them, for that he knew all men, and because he needed not that any one should bear witness concerning man; for he himself knew what was in man Jn 2:24-25(ASV). Not with God. You can trust Him. In fact retaining such reasoning, such “protective mindset” will keep you at the edge of holy ground.

Do not come any closer… Have you tried to move closer to God and discovered there is a block, a hindrance? For a moment look up at God and listen. Maybe then you will reach down to your feet and take off the sandals you put on to protect yourself from harm. How can you be harmed on holy ground? Are you listening?

Joshua was by Jericho, on enemy territory in the time of war. Clearly it was a new day for the Israelites. Who wouldn’t want protection for his feet at such places? Having been shown the captain of the Lord’s hosts he worships and asks "I am your servant. Does my master have a command for me?" Jos 5:14(GNB) Are you also worshiping Jesus and saying to Him “Lord what would you have me do”? The first thing is not “Circle Jericho seven times...” No. The commander of the LORD'S army answered, "Take off your sandals. The place where you are standing is holy." So Joshua obeyed him Jos 5:15(GNB). You may say Moses hadn’t realised he was before God when the instruction was given. And that it moved him to worship. Joshua already knew and already worshiped. Why then was that the first thing, the instruction given to him? Was it simply to let him know God had called him like Moses? God did that way back before the Jordan River was crossed. There’s more. Like him obey. Don’t try to protect yourself before God.

Release yourself to God My child. He loves you more than you know or understand. Walk with Him and be blameless without fear. He holds you as the apple of the eye. No one can please God without faith, for whoever comes to God must have faith that God exists and rewards those who seek him Heb 11:6.