JUNE 12

TAKE OFF THY SHOES

“And the captain of the Lord’s host said to Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.” (Joshua 5:15)

Having our shoes on typifies a number of things, not all bad, by any means, but there is a time and place for all things. As Israel was about to depart from Egypt, they were to eat the Passover with “your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in you hand.” (Ex. 12:11). This bespoke a readiness, a preparedness to move out at the proper time. But, this followed the experience of Moses who had already removed his shoes and spent time in communion with God, to receive God’s direction, and make sure that His presence would go with them. Then when we do go out to do His bidding, it won’t be with our old shoes, but “shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” (Eph. 6:15).

Shoes are made of many things. Leather, representing the animal nature, or flesh. Even though sacrificed to get the leather, God says, “Bring no more vain oblation.” He does not want our flesh, even that offered up in good works, but He desires a broken and contrite spirit.

Felt - which is wool and hair pressed together. But we must cast off the many pressures of the world about us, if we would feel and be sensitive to His presence, hear His voice, be led by Him throughout the day.

Plastic – definitely a man-made synthetic material. Greek, “plastos” and meaning “shaped, formed” and the root for our English word plastic, is used in II Peter 2:3, “with feigned words make merchandise of you.” Plastic words, not true words, but words formed and shaped into trite phrases and empty platitudes, making just the right appeal, alluring and captivating, as they build their kingdoms. Certainly a shoe to be put off, that we might worship Him in spirit and in TRUTH.

Furthermore, as we remove all these hindrances to our sensitive walk with the Spirit, we shall discover that the very ground on which we stand is holy, because He is there with us. Praise God!