“Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. 3 Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.” 4 So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” 5 Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” 6 Moreover He said, “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 upon God.” Exodus 3:1-6 NKJV
God of the burning bush,
The second time in the Old Testament Your presence God is symbolised by fire. A symbol of Your holiness, power, and divine presence. You were first ‘seen’ as in the pillar of fire guarding and guiding the children of Israel though the wilderness. You also confused the Egyptians with this fire so they drowned! (Exodus 14:24).
It was when You Lord saw Moses turning to look at the bush that You called to him. And the place was holy. because You are holy. Moses stood bare footed before You. How many times do I miss turning to You and finding holy ground, because I am not looking or listening? Perhaps not expecting?
Help us to take each minute not as something to use quickly but as opportunity to stop and notice that You are in our day. You are wanting us to stop and listen. We may not always be able to slip off our shoes, but we can come humbly with two ears and listening lips.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 25th January 2026
This hymn written by John Pantry immediately came to mind from the title – slip off your shoes.
There comes a time in each believer′s life
When problems crowd around
And in the darkness, hands outstretched
We reach to touch You once again
And oh, the joy that’s found
Slip off your shoes and leave your doubts outside
You won′t be using the walk of the world in His presence
You’ll only need your repentant heart
Now it may seem funny
But if you use the word too much
The meaning flies away
Sorry doesn’t mean a lot
Unless you understand the cost
And how the price was paid
Chorus
So come and sit by your Father’s side
Tell Him what′s on your heart
Give your worries to Him
Every problem, every sin
And make a brand new, come on
Make a brand new start
Chorus
Lyrics John Pantry