What was the significance of “removing you shoes” in the bible? Both Moses and Joshua were told to remove their shoes when in the presence of the Lord. Which was a sign of giving up our rights and submitting to God, it is an act of humility and respect, and a recognition of one’s own UNWORTHINESS in the presence of God.
The Lord said to Moses, “Do not come any closer,” God said. “TAKE OFF YOUR SANDALS. The place you are standing on is holy ground.” (Exo. 3:5) Joshua looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” “NEITHER,” He replied, “but as COMMANDER OF THE ARMY OF THE LORD I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked Him, “What message does my Lord have?” The commander replied, “TAKE OFF YOUR SANDALS, for the place where you are standing is holy.” (Josh. 5:13-15)
THIS IS WHAT THIS SYMBOLIZES:
- GIVING UP OUR RIGHTS: “…do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your BODY and in your SPIRIT, WHICH ARE GOD’S.” (1 Corin. 6:19-20) Consider this as well, “You saw me BEFORE I was born. EVERY DAY OF MY LIFE WAS RECORDED IN YOUR BOOK. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” (Psa. 139:16) Before I was even born, you had a plan for my life but you allowed me the free will to give up my rights and do your will or I could choose my will.
- SUBMITING TO GOD IN HUMILITY AND RESPECT: When we finally realize that we are not able to do life on our own, “…there is no authority EXCEPT THAT WHICH GOD HAS ESTABLISHED.” (Rom. 13:1) God is in charge and wants us to yield to Him, “God gives us MORE GRACE. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. COME NEAR TO GOD and HE WILL COME NEAR TO YOU. (James 4:6-8)
- RECOGNIZING OUR UNWORTHINESS: John the Baptist said, “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’M NOT WORTHY EVEN TO CARRY HIS SANDALS. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” (Matt. 3:11)
Here is the wonderful “bottom line” “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and JOINT HEIRS WITH CHRIST…” (Rom. 8:16-17)
-Bill Stockham