The Sacred Weight of Presence: Loving People as Holy Ground
Speaker: Pastor Doug Garasic
Scripture References: Exodus 3:1-5, 1 John 4:7-8, Psalm 138:23, 24 and Romans 6:6
Sermon Recap:
Loving others is a sacred act in God's eyes. If we are to love well, it is important to practice being fully present when we come together. To love others well is to step onto holy ground. When we avoid using electronic devices or engage in side- conversations, we give our full attention to the matter at hand. Imagine trying to have a conversation with someone who spends the whole time staring into their cell phone or texting. Such behaviors cause people to feel secondary, or unimportant.
In Exodus 3:1-5, an angel told Moses to remove his sandals as the ground he was standing on was holy. Moses was engaged in an ordinary task, tending to his father-in-law’s sheep, when he unknowingly stepped into the extraordinary---holy ground. Prior to this, Moses lived a luxurious life as the son of one of Pharoah’s daughters. But as he matured, he began to identify with his oppressed people and one day killed an Egyptian abusing a fellow Jew. Moses spent the next 20 years as a fugitive in Midian, living a humble life as a shepherd.
God’s call to Moses illustrates for us today God’s longing for relationship with His people. God’s very nature is an invitation to intimacy with Him. (John 4:7-8)
He reveals Himself as approachable and desirous of engaging with us. Just as God called Moses by name, He wants us to know one another by name. This summer we are encouraged to practice live social interaction wherein you are made to feel seen, heard, known, and loved. Let the interaction mirror the kind of relationship God wants to have with you…up close and personal.
Symbolic of Moses removing his sandals, your relationship with God includes being willing to remove those not-so-holy-things when we come into the His presence, because nothing unholy endures before God. Take a personal assessment…when was the last time you really took stock of how you spend your time?
Loving others, and loving God, bring contentment…appreciating and finding fulfillment in what you already have and letting go of the notion that everything must be grand or dramatic and instead embrace everyday life knowing He is with us always.
Discussion Questions:
1. How did you respond in general to the sermon?
2. Do you see that loving others is fundamental to loving God? Why or why not?
3. What sandals (defenses, distractions, judgments) do you need to remove in relationships this week?
4. What practical ideas can you suggest that might lead to knowing someone better?
5. What does the Scripture, “Godliness with contentment is great gain” mean to you?