Theatrical Pauses

RSC Doors

I went to Stratford, and had a behind the scenes tour of the RSC theatre.

It’s a fascinating tour, really worth going if you can.

When booking the tour, my friend had explained that I am deaf, checking that the tour was accessible for me. 

She was assured that I’d be able to lipread.

In the event, the guide went above and beyond to ensure I didn’t miss out (thank you, Tim!).

The first stop in the tour is pictured.

“Have you ever wondered what is behind those doors?” asked Tim.

I go to the RSC regularly, I pass these doors each time, but reader, I had never wondered. 

Nor had I even registered that they were doors.

It was only when I stopped, that I saw them.

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

Exodus 3:5

Moses was a shepherd.

He was used to the desert.

It wasn’t unusual to see a bush on fire.

Yet God didn’t ask him to pause by those.

God asked him to pause beside a bush that did not burn up.

‘Take off your shoes. Stop. You are on holy ground.’

Might God be asking you to pause?

Perhaps you are wondering what is ahead, you are at a crossroads, you are overwhelmed, you can’t see which way to go….

Have you paused?

Maybe you are none of the above.

Have you paused?

If something is theatrical, it can be said to be over the top.

A bit extreme. 

Unrealistic.

Maybe, as you look at your life, finding time to pause seems unrealistic.

Make it a theatrical pause, then.

A burning bush seemed unrealistic.

And that is where God asked Moses to pause.

And that is where God shared with Moses that his life would not be easy.

And that is where God assured the overwhelmed Moses (3:12):

I will be with you.

In an unrealistic, overwhelmed place, Moses heard:

I will be with you.

In a ‘theatrical pause’, Moses had time to see the way God was leading him.

The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.

Psalm 32:8