At the burning bush Moses was attracted by a marvellous sight—a bush that though on fire would not incinerate (Exodus 3:1-6). When a voice came from the flames, Moses was too afraid to behold God.   Removing his sandals symbolized the reverence of this moment as Moses met with the holy God of his forefathers. Though at this point in his life he was a lowly shepherd in a desolate place, Moses was commissioned to high service in God’s nation. One cannot doubt this meeting with God contributed to Moses being counted among the most humble to have walked upon the earth.    

The prophet Isaiah also faced the holy God of Israel in a throne room vision (Isaiah 6). The cry of the seraphim seems to have deeply affected him as the theme of holiness is vital to the prophet’s message. As is common in Isaiah, he links God’s holiness and justice with His concern for the lowly and downcast. 

For this is what the high and lofty One says—
He who lives forever, whose name is holy:

“I live in a high and holy place,
but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly
and to revive the heart of the contrite.
(Isaiah 57:15)

Isaiah’s prophecy reminds us of God’s enduring and exceeding holiness: His distant holiness, and His presence among the downtrodden and lowly. As we walk with our holy God on a daily basis, our attention to His moral purity and justice should cause us, like Moses, to revere and exalt Him. We should also recognize the many blessings that come from living in humble submission to Him, knowing His eye is on the sparrow. Finally, we must recognize that humility, meekness, and lowliness are central themes in Jesus’ message about kingdom living: it is the meek who “will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:4b). 

 

- Prof. Don Taylor 

Don Taylor is the Interim Dean of Briercrest College and assistant professor of biblical studies focusing in the Old Testament.