Just a Story about Moses or a Powerful Story about God?
I experienced moments in the past when I wished for a Burning Bush Moment. You know, a moment like Moses had in the wilderness. There Moses was, taking care of his sheep, and God showed up in a super cool way! He told Moses exactly what He wanted him to do.
When we lived in Salt Lake City, I wanted to quit substitute teaching and get a job with a consistent schedule. However, I wasn’t sure what to do. I desired a burning bush. When we lived in Ontario, Oregon, I had the opportunity to begin a home-based business. I was so scared! I craved a burning bush. And most definitely, when we began discussing a move to Missouri, I coveted the assurance of a burning bush!
Moses with his Sheep
We read the story of Moses and the burning bush in Exodus 3:1-17. “Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law…” (Exodus 3:1, NIV) Moses was in the desert doing his thing, shepherding the sheep. For whatever reason, he led the sheep to the far side of the wilderness to Horeb, the mountain of God. Perhaps Moses thought there was better grazing there, or perhaps he led the sheep to a known place of safety for an extended rest.
If you remember Moses’ background, he’s in the wilderness because he killed an Egyptian. He’s hiding from Pharoah and any consequences to his actions. We could guess that Moses was afraid and took every chance possible to get as far from danger as possible. We could even surmise he lived in shame and felt useless as well as worthless. However, scripture doesn’t tell us anything about Moses’ emotional or mental state.
No One but Moses
We just know Moses is with some sheep far away from everyone else. However, in this mundane moment, God shows up. And since Moses is on the other side of the desert, he has nothing to distract him nor hinder him from encountering God. No family to add to his stress or give him something else to do. No societal or culture standards to be concerned about. No need to look over one’s shoulder for the enemy. No one to impress. It’s just Moses, the sheep, and now God.
We often read this story and think it’s all about Moses. Moses sees the bush. Then Moses goes to the bush where Moses encounters God. Finally, Moses leaves the bush with a new job. In fact, we call the story Moses and the Burning Bush!
A Story all About God
In all actuality, the story is really all about God. We learn ten truths about God in this one story.
- God has power over natural law. Otherwise, how could the bush burn and not be consumed? God created all things beyond our control, like the weather, time, the ocean, rivers, mountains, animals, and more. In addition, He can change the pattern of behavior He created for them if He so chooses.
- God appears in ways that draw us. God wanted to get Moses’ attention, and He knew a burning bush would do the trick. In addition, God uses visions, dreams, angels, children, a mysterious hand writing on the wall, and even a donkey.
- God makes the first move. Moses wasn’t at Mount Horeb searching for God. However, God knew where Moses was, and God met him there. John 15:16 says God chose us, not the other way around. First John 4:19 tells us God loved us first.
- God calls us by name; He knows us. When Moses went toward the bush to see what was going on, God called his name. The bush wasn’t a random phenomenon. God intentionally sought out a man named Moses, and He intentionally seeks us out as well.
- God protects us from His holiness. Almighty God graciously told Moses to not come any closer to the bush. Since God is fully aware of the vast difference between who we are and who He is in all His righteousness and glory, He doesn’t set us up to be destroyed.
- God teaches us how to come to Him. God instructed Moses to take off his shoes because he was on holy ground. Later, God gave the nation of Israel specific things to do so they could be in relationship with Him. In the New Testament, Jesus told people to follow Him, come to Him like little children, and seek first His Kingdom.
- God tells us who He is. God first tells Moses He is the God of his father, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The LORD let Moses know He was the same God Moses had been taught about as a child. Later, in Exodus 3:14, God tells Moses, “I Am who I Am” God didn’t hide who He was from Moses, and He doesn’t hide from us.
- God hears our cries and sees our suffering. God tells Moses that He has seen the horrible treatment the Israelites endured from the Egyptians. Plus, He heard their cries and their pleas. He is as Hagar said, “the God who sees me.”
- God uses man to promote His plan. God met with Moses to assign him the task of leading the children of Israel to freedom and a new land. The LORD could’ve easily destroyed the Egyptians with a word. Instead, He chose to involve His creation in saving His creation. God works the same way today; He chooses to involve us.
- God answers all questions and doubts with who He is. After Moses hears God’s plan, his first response was “who am I?” God didn’t list out Moses qualifications or abilities. Instead, God said, “I will be with you.” Whatever our worry, fear, or concern, God says, “I will be with you.”
We Serve the Same God
The same God who saw Moses and sent him a burning bush is the same God who sees us. You may be wishing for a burning bush moment in the middle of your busy life. You are stressed and you can’t decipher the right thing to do. If only God would show up in a miraculous way and tell you exactly what to do.
You could be wandering in the wilderness and doing what you have to do to get by. Perhaps you wonder if this is all life has for you. You’re tired of the daily tasks, but you also know fear and shame. If only God would show up in a miraculous way and tell you exactly what to do.
Moses’ Example
We must follow Moses’ example. First, we need to remove any distraction if only for a little while. We might need to step away from the voices of other people, the demands of a job, the influence of social media, fears, or hurts. Next, we must open our eyes to what is around us and be curious. God can show up in a thousand different ways. Lastly, remember who God is. Look back over the ten things we learn about God from the story of the burning bush. Quiet your heart in prayer and allow God to do what only God can do.
Burning Bush Photo by Johnny Thorpe on Unsplash
