Exodus 3:5 “Do not come any closer, “God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”

At God’s command, Moses removed his sandals. He was in the presence of God, and he obeyed out of reverence and an understanding of his unworthiness to be before his Holy Sovereign God.

We are told often that “God is our friend,” and indeed he is, but he is also our Sovereign Lord. For us to approach God with an attitude of frivolity shows our lack of respect and sincerity. We have lost our awe and reverence for who we are in a relationship with.

When we come to God’s house to worship, are we coming casually, or do you approach as though you will be standing in front of a Great King as a guest or like he is just another somebody?

It is easy when you are a regular churchgoer, or you participate in worship at your church, in a choir, or with a group to get very laxadaisy about it. You no longer take your preparation seriously, and you are constantly late; and yes (sometimes there are valid reasons for lateness,) but if it is just what you do, then you need to think about who you are coming before. I dare say, if it was a famous someone, you would do everything in your power to be on time! If you were called upon to make some speech for aristocrats or your work, you would come prepared. But, too often in churches, people filter in as though they have all the time in the world. They talk and laugh with friends until the very last second they have to get in their seats. Choir members rush in at the very last second. Having not attended any rehearsals because they had other things to do, that seemed more important. (yes, sometimes people are sick, have to work, and so on,) not talking about that, I am speaking to the ones who just do not find participating and preparation necessary. What if the Pastor of your church came in unprepared, not prayed up, having not studied the word? Think about it…

Why is it that you rush everywhere else, breathless sometimes to get to that ballgame, or dinner, or wherever, but to come before the Holy Sovereign God who saved you from your sins, you are casual, you are late, you are unprepared? Is it that you have forgotten to whom you are coming before? You have become so laid back and friendly with God that you no longer understand or stand in awe of His Holiness and Sovereignty?

We need to examine our hearts and repent of our frivolity. We need to remember who we are coming to stand before and return to our first love. Moses understood who it was he was standing before, and he showed reverence and humility.

Another thing, how do you dress to see a King? You get dressed up to dine with friends or coworkers, at work events, a date, a concert, and so on, but so many of you approach the Holy Sovereign God in your shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, spaghetti strapped dresses with too much cleavage showing, short skirts, etc., you get the idea.( If it is all you have then that is okay, but for most they have better.)

Again, I ask why. Is it because when -“Jesus is just your friend” you want to wear hang-out clothes? Has He become just another one of the gang?

NO, HE IS NOT!!! JESUS is our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS is THE KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS, JESUS IS HOLY and SOVERIEGN over everything, and every other king. JESUS IS WORTHY OF ALL HONOR AND PRAISE!

There needs to be an attitude adjustment in our homes, in our hearts, and in our private times alone with God, in our coming together to worship and praise him. We need to humble ourselves and remember to whom we are coming.

Why not right now ask God to examine your heart, seek his forgiveness, and ready yourself to stand before THE KING!