When Moses heard what they [Korah, Dathan, and Abiram] were saying [inciting a rebellion against Moses], he fell face down on the ground. [Numbers 16.4]
Moses had a 'go-to' posture before God. We see it more than once just in today's reading in the OYCB! That posture was face-down on the ground.
What does 'face-down on the ground' mean? It means total submission. It meant total submission of Moses to God. And, it means total submission of us to God.
I understand that in the Age of Grace we enjoy the benefit of Christ's work on our behalf. Things may be much different for us regarding the Law and all the ritual associated with it. However, I must conclude that God remains holy and, as such, should be approached with as much the same attitude!
Lately, it has occurred to me that my posture before God matters. It matters in what I demonstrate to God. But it also matters in what I see myself demonstrate to God. Again the symbol of falling face-down on the ground (or the floor) is one of complete submission. It serves as not only an act of submission in God's eyes, but it very much serves to remind me that I am not in control. It reminds me just how vulnerable I am. It reminds me that I am subject to God.
Regardless what I do when I get up off the floor, for those moments on my face before Him, I have every opportunity to consider what I am doing and, if for nothing by just those moments, realize and remind myself that I am not my own.
In Moses' case in today's reading it goes a step further in that Moses fell on his face on behalf of others.
Father help us to understand our position before You!
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