Acts 7:31 – “When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight. As he went over to get a closer look, he heard the Lord say:

Extended Explanation

This verse is part of Stephen’s speech before the Jewish leaders. Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, is recounting Israel’s history to show how they continually rejected God’s messengers. Here, he speaks about Moses’ encounter with the burning bush.

Moses was tending sheep in the wilderness when he saw a bush that was on fire but not consumed. He was amazed and drawn toward it. As he approached, God called out to him. This moment was a turning point in Moses’ life—God was revealing Himself and calling Moses to lead His people out of slavery in Egypt.

This verse reminds us that God often reveals Himself in unexpected ways. When He does, our response should be like Moses’: to turn toward Him and listen.

Historical Context

This event occurred in the wilderness of Mount Horeb (Sinai), around the 15th or 13th century B.C., during Moses’ 40-year exile from Egypt. At the time, Moses had been living as a shepherd after fleeing Egypt for killing an Egyptian taskmaster.

Stephen was recounting this story to Jewish leaders in the first century A.D., shortly before his martyrdom. His audience was familiar with Moses’ story but failed to see that just as their ancestors rejected Moses, they were now rejecting Jesus, the true Deliverer.

Theological Implications

1. God Reveals Himself in His Own Way – The burning bush was not what Moses expected, but it was God’s way of showing His presence. God often works beyond human understanding.
2. God Calls Ordinary People for His Purpose – Moses was just a shepherd at this point, yet God chose him for a great mission.
3. God Speaks to Those Who Seek Him – When Moses turned aside to investigate, God spoke. Likewise, God reveals Himself to those who seek Him with open hearts.
4. God’s Plan of Redemption – The call of Moses was part of God’s greater plan to redeem His people, just as Jesus’ coming was part of the ultimate redemption.

Literary Analysis

This verse is from Stephen’s speech, which is a powerful historical and theological argument. The phrase “he was amazed at the sight” highlights Moses’ sense of wonder, while “he went over to get a closer look” shows his willingness to respond. The transition from seeing to hearing is key—God first got Moses’ attention, then spoke.

Luke, the author of Acts, deliberately uses this moment to draw a parallel between Moses and Jesus—both were sent by God to deliver His people, yet both were initially rejected by those they came to save.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 3:2-4 – The original account of the burning bush, where God calls Moses by name.
• Isaiah 55:8-9 – God’s ways are higher than human ways.
• Hebrews 12:29 – Describes God as a consuming fire, which relates to the burning bush.
• John 1:10-11 – Jesus, like Moses, was not recognized or received by His own people.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

• God still speaks today – He may not use a burning bush, but He calls people through Scripture, circumstances, and the Holy Spirit.
• God calls ordinary people – You don’t have to be someone special by human standards for God to use you.
• Pay attention to God’s signs – Moses could have ignored the burning bush, but he chose to investigate. Are we paying attention when God is trying to get our attention?

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God could have left Moses in the wilderness, but He didn’t. Instead, He called Moses and gave him a purpose. This shows that God loves us enough to call us to something greater. He doesn’t leave His people in bondage—He rescues them. Just as He rescued Israel from Egypt, He rescues us from sin and hopelessness.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

• Jesus is the ultimate Deliverer – Moses led Israel out of slavery, but Jesus leads us out of sin (John 8:34-36).
• Jesus also amazed people – Just as Moses was amazed at the burning bush, people were amazed by Jesus’ miracles and teachings (Mark 6:2).
• Jesus is the voice of God – At the burning bush, God spoke to Moses. In Jesus, God speaks to us directly (Hebrews 1:1-2).
• Jesus’ presence is like the burning bush – The bush burned but was not consumed, just as Jesus endured suffering but was not defeated (Acts 2:24).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How has God tried to get your attention in unexpected ways?
2. What can you learn from Moses’ response to the burning bush?
3. Is there an area in your life where God is calling you to step forward, but you feel unqualified?
4. How does this passage encourage you to trust God’s plan, even when it seems unusual?
5. How does Jesus fulfill and surpass Moses’ role as a deliverer?

This verse is a reminder that God speaks, calls, and leads His people with love. Are we willing to turn aside and listen?