Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Setting the scene: Moses encounters the burning bush on Mount Horeb – Exodus 3:1-3
- The voice of God: God speaks to Moses from the burning bush – Exodus 3:4-6
- Divine commission: God reveals His plan for Moses to deliver the Israelites – Exodus 3:7-10
- Moses’ reluctance: Excuses and doubts expressed by Moses – Exodus 3:11-13
- The name of God: ‘I AM WHO I AM’ – Exodus 3:14
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
Imagine a barren wilderness, a place where the earth seems scorched and lifeless. Yet, in the midst of this desolation, a divine presence manifests in a mysterious and captivating manner. This encounter between Moses and the burning bush is not just a mere event, but a pivotal moment that unravels the very fabric of reality.
As the flames dance upon the bush and yet do not consume it, we are drawn into a sacred moment where the ordinary meets the extraordinary. It is in this moment that Moses hears the voice of God, revealing a plan that will change the course of history forever.
In the book of Exodus 3:2-6 (CSB), we read, ‘Then the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire within a bush. As Moses looked, he saw that the bush was on fire but was not consumed… I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’
Setting the scene: Moses encounters the burning bush on Mount Horeb – Exodus 3:1-3
Exodus 3:1-15 tells the story of Moses encountering the burning bush on Mount Horeb, also known as Mount Sinai. The scene is set with Moses, who was tending his father-in-law Jethro’s flock, coming to Horeb, the mountain of God. Here, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire within a bush. Moses noticed that although the bush was on fire, it was not consumed by the flames. This extraordinary sight caught Moses’ attention, prompting him to approach and take a closer look.
As Moses neared the burning bush, God called out to him from within the bush, instructing him not to come any closer and to remove his sandals, for he was standing on holy ground. This moment marked the beginning of a significant encounter between Moses and God, where God revealed His divine presence and communicated His plan to deliver the Israelites from their oppression in Egypt through Moses.
The voice of God: God speaks to Moses from the burning bush – Exodus 3:4-6
As Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, he came to Mount Horeb, the mountain of God. There, he encountered a wondrous sight – a bush that was on fire but not consumed by the flames. As he turned to see this amazing sight, God called out to him from the bush, saying, ‘Moses, Moses!’ Moses responded, ‘Here I am.’ This simple reply initiated a profound conversation between Moses and God.
God then revealed His presence and declared Himself as the God of Moses’ ancestors – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He instructed Moses to remove his sandals, for the ground on which he stood was holy. This divine encounter from within the burning bush marked the beginning of God’s commissioning of Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. It illustrates the transcendent nature of God and His ability to communicate with humanity in extraordinary ways.
Divine commission: God reveals His plan for Moses to deliver the Israelites – Exodus 3:7-10
Exodus 3:7-10 recounts the momentous encounter between God and Moses at the burning bush, where God reveals His plan for Moses to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. In this passage, God speaks to Moses, saying, ‘I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians.’ This declaration demonstrates God’s deep compassion for His people and His active involvement in their lives.
Furthermore, God commissions Moses as His chosen instrument to carry out this mission, saying, ‘Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.’ This divine commission marks the beginning of Moses’ transformative journey from a shepherd in Midian to the leader of the Israelites, guided and empowered by God to fulfill his appointed task.
Moses’ reluctance: Excuses and doubts expressed by Moses – Exodus 3:11-13
When confronted with the monumental task of leading the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses expresses his reluctance and doubt to God. In Exodus 3:11, Moses questions his own worthiness by asking, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” This shows his insecurity and lack of confidence in his own abilities. God reassures Moses by stating that He will be with him.
Moses further expresses doubt in Exodus 3:13 when he asks God what he should say if the Israelites question the name of the God who sent him. This indicates Moses’ concern about his credibility and authority in the eyes of the Israelites. God answers by revealing His divine name, affirming His power and presence.
These excuses and doubts of Moses reflect common human reactions to daunting challenges. Despite his initial reluctance, Moses eventually becomes a key figure in the liberation of the Israelites, highlighting the transformative power of faith and obedience.
The name of God: ‘I AM WHO I AM’ – Exodus 3:14
In Exodus 3:14, when Moses asks God for His name, God replies, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ This enigmatic statement has been the subject of much interpretation and discussion among scholars and theologians.
God’s response can be seen as a declaration of His eternal self-existence and self-sufficiency. By stating ‘I AM WHO I AM,’ God conveys that He is unchanging and not dependent on anyone or anything for His existence. This name signifies God’s timeless nature, encompassing past, present, and future in a single eternal now.
Additionally, ‘I AM WHO I AM’ can also be understood as a revelation of God’s sovereignty and authority. It asserts His unmatched power and control over all creation, demonstrating that He is the ultimate source of all existence and the one true God.
Ultimately, the name ‘I AM WHO I AM’ serves as a profound statement of God’s incomprehensible essence and unmatched glory, inviting reverence and awe from those who seek to know Him.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the divine encounter between Moses and the burning bush, we are reminded that God’s presence and holiness are ever near, just as he was with Moses in his time of need. The burning bush serves as a symbol of God’s call to each of us for a special task, a reminder that he is always with us, guiding us towards our purpose.
What is God saying to you in this moment? He is whispering that you are never alone, that Christ walks alongside you, ready to lead you through any challenge. He extends his arms in love and grace, offering hope, redemption, and salvation.
So, the question remains, what will you do about it? Will you open your heart to receive his embrace, to follow where he leads, and to trust in his unfailing care? The path may be unknown, but with God by your side, you can walk in confidence, knowing that you are cherished beyond measure.