Dangerous God

So today, I just started reading through the book of Exodus. And in chapter three, I came across the portion where God appears to Moses through a burning bush. Now, I've heard this story a thousand times, between Sunday School, VBS, sermons, etc. But today it shone through new light for me. Take verses 5-6:

"'Do not come any closer,' God said, 'Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.' Then he said, 'I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.' At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God." -Exodus 3:5-6

Wow. Moses was afraid to look at God. At first, we may think this a bit odd. But think back to the context. God had just appeared to Moses through FIRE. Any God who comes through fire is not a God who plays it safe. Clearly Moses has realized this. But have we?

I mean, give it some serious thought. Do we ever realize just what God is capable of? We have grown to accustomed to our Sunday School stories of this sweet God who loves and cares for each and every boy and girl. While that may be true, this same God completely obliterated the entire earth aside from one boatful of people and animals because He was so disgusted by peoples' sin. This God sent an angel of death to kill every Egyptian's firstborn son. So why is it exactly that we think that life with God will always be safe? Yes, He has promised to protect us. No, he has not promised us a peaceful life of prosperity and ease. In Matthew 16, Jesus says that anyone who wants to follow Him must, "Take up their cross." The cross is a sign of suffering, not a perfect life.

Yes, a life fully in synch with God will be the most amazing journey you will ever take. However, I can guarantee that it will also be the scariest thing you have ever done. But God always comes through and keeps His promises. Just look at Moses.

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