These were God’s Words of love and warning to Moses in Exodus 3:5 as Moses approached the burning bush. God’s plan had worked – the burning bush attracted Moses’ attention. Then God spoke to Moses, warning him that coming closer would be harmful, and instructing him in how to show the proper respect and honor when in the presence of God.
Sunday I worshiped with James again in Kuala Lumpur. Their congregation seems to celebrate Holy Communion every Sunday, which I think is wonderful. However due to my position and the fact that the LCMS is not in formal fellowship with the church body this congregation is part of, I abstain from taking Holy Communion. This time, as James got up to go, he explained that it’s this congregation’s tradition to take off their shoes before coming to the altar for the Lord’s Supper.
Different cultures contribute their own bits and pieces to the tradition of Christian life and worship. I like this one. We approach the Lord’s Supper acknowledging and confessing we are receiving the very body and blood of Jesus Christ in with and under the bread and wine. We enter into the presence of God the Son in a way we never do otherwise than at this table – at least until we are seated with him in glory around a greater and eternal banquet. Taking off the shoes is a good physical reminder of the truth we confess. It links us to generations of faithful followers of God, even to Moses himself.
The body of Christ is beautiful in it’s diversity of traditions and practices that all point to Christ crucified and resurrected!
The Nelson Family Indonesia 