The Burning Bush
In Exodus 3:2-3 it says, "And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush, and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed. So Moses said, "I must see turn aside now and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up."
This is such an amazing and unique story to me that I wanted to take a few minutes to share some thoughts about it and what I think is unique about it. I love the story of Moses, how God took someone from an obscure place and used him to lead his people to the promise land and through many trials. It seems that God does delight to do that throughout scripture whether it be Jeremiah, David, Gideon or the apostles.
One of the first things that I see in this passage is that God's appearance to Moses was unique. If this were to happen today, we might expect someone to go out and write a book. Maybe it would be called "How to Have Your Own Burning Bush Experience" or "40 Days of Burning Bushes" or maybe "Light Up Your Yard with God". But, God's experience was totally personal and unique to Moses. He came to Moses in a powerful way and a personal way and spoke to the heart of his need. I think it is a shame that so many people expect for others to experience God the way they do. If I don't wish to roll around on the floor or create a public spectacle of myself, it is okay. It doesn't negate the fact, that perhaps God is speaking to me also.
Second, going along with that idea is the fact that God spoke Moses name. The first words that God spoke are "Moses, Moses!" verse 4. God was trying to get his attention personally. He knew that the fact that a burning bush by itself was not going to get Moses' attention. That sometimes happens in that part of the world in the desert where the heat can get so intense. But, Moses noticed that the burn was not burned up, which was totally unique and got Moses attention.
Third, God wanted Moses to know that he is holy verse 5. We live in a world where it seems more and more people are saying that truth is relative. But, God declares himself as pure and holy with no sin or stain in his person. Not only has he never done wrong, but he cannot do wrong. He does not tempt anyone to sin and is entirely trustworthy. It reminds me of when Pilate asked Jesus "what is truth?" Literally, he is saying that truth is relative. But, little did he realize that truth in the person of Jesus was standing right in front of him.
Fourth, God wants Moses to know that he cared about the people's situation verse 7. Twice in verse 7 God makes it clear that he has both seen and given heed to the cry of his people. Remember that this is a time period where previously God has been silent for 400 years. During that entire time the people have been in bondage in Egypt. They have been the builders of the great towers and buildings of Egypt. They were treated cruelly and it is only natural after all that time to wonder if God is truly listening. For them and for us, the message is that God does see and hear and take notice of our suffering, our need and our pain.
The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry." Psalm 34:15
This is such an amazing and unique story to me that I wanted to take a few minutes to share some thoughts about it and what I think is unique about it. I love the story of Moses, how God took someone from an obscure place and used him to lead his people to the promise land and through many trials. It seems that God does delight to do that throughout scripture whether it be Jeremiah, David, Gideon or the apostles.
One of the first things that I see in this passage is that God's appearance to Moses was unique. If this were to happen today, we might expect someone to go out and write a book. Maybe it would be called "How to Have Your Own Burning Bush Experience" or "40 Days of Burning Bushes" or maybe "Light Up Your Yard with God". But, God's experience was totally personal and unique to Moses. He came to Moses in a powerful way and a personal way and spoke to the heart of his need. I think it is a shame that so many people expect for others to experience God the way they do. If I don't wish to roll around on the floor or create a public spectacle of myself, it is okay. It doesn't negate the fact, that perhaps God is speaking to me also.
Second, going along with that idea is the fact that God spoke Moses name. The first words that God spoke are "Moses, Moses!" verse 4. God was trying to get his attention personally. He knew that the fact that a burning bush by itself was not going to get Moses' attention. That sometimes happens in that part of the world in the desert where the heat can get so intense. But, Moses noticed that the burn was not burned up, which was totally unique and got Moses attention.
Third, God wanted Moses to know that he is holy verse 5. We live in a world where it seems more and more people are saying that truth is relative. But, God declares himself as pure and holy with no sin or stain in his person. Not only has he never done wrong, but he cannot do wrong. He does not tempt anyone to sin and is entirely trustworthy. It reminds me of when Pilate asked Jesus "what is truth?" Literally, he is saying that truth is relative. But, little did he realize that truth in the person of Jesus was standing right in front of him.
Fourth, God wants Moses to know that he cared about the people's situation verse 7. Twice in verse 7 God makes it clear that he has both seen and given heed to the cry of his people. Remember that this is a time period where previously God has been silent for 400 years. During that entire time the people have been in bondage in Egypt. They have been the builders of the great towers and buildings of Egypt. They were treated cruelly and it is only natural after all that time to wonder if God is truly listening. For them and for us, the message is that God does see and hear and take notice of our suffering, our need and our pain.
The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry." Psalm 34:15
