Cross View Blog
Burning Bushes
December 03, 2021
Throughout the ages people have encountered "burning bushes," attention-arresting manifestations of God's presence in the world of nature. And when they do, some people are moved to "take off their shoes" to honor the Divine Presence.
As the iconic example, Moses beheld a burning bush and heard the voice of God summoning him to free Israel from Egyptian bondage. The bush burned with God's presence, but it was not consumed. Just in case Moses doubted the voice he heard, he would be convicted by what he saw.
Moses was ordered to take of his shoes because he was standing on holy ground. Wherever God chooses to show Himself, that ground is holy because God's presence is always holy. The Divine Presence strikes mortal people with fear and awe.
When I am out in nature, I try to keep my eyes and ears open for "burning bushes," encounters that remind me that I am walking on holy ground. I am reassured that despite the distress in the world, everything is still under God's control.
Paul Emmel
Minneapolis
Autumn 2021
Paul Emmel is a retired pastor in the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, having served as a parish pastor, a correctional chaplain for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, and a hospital chaplain and a community counselor. As a retired pastor, Paul continues to serve the Lord and His people, including establishing the Minnesota South District’s “Pastors to Prisoners” ministry.