Moses and the Burning Bush

Exodus 3 details a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative: God’s call to Moses from the burning bush. This chapter is central to understanding God’s relationship with His people and His plan for their deliverance from Egypt.

The Encounter with the Burning Bush

• The Burning Bush: While tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro in the desert near Mount Horeb (the mountain of God), Moses sees a bush that is burning but not consumed. Curious, he approaches and hears God call out from within the bush, instructing him to remove his sandals because the place where he is standing is holy ground (Exodus 3:1-5).

God Reveals Himself to Moses

God’s Introduction and Promise

• God’s Introduction: God introduces Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, establishing His identity and the continuity of His covenantal relationship with Israel. Moses hides his face, fearing to look at God (Exodus 3:6).
• Promise of Deliverance: God explains that He has seen the misery of His people in Egypt, heard their cry, and is aware of their suffering. He reveals His plan to deliver them from the Egyptians and bring them to a good and spacious land “flowing with milk and honey” (Exodus 3:7-10).

The Mission of Moses

Call to Lead Israel

• God’s Commission to Moses: God commissions Moses to go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses expresses doubt about his abilities and the likelihood of the Israelites believing him (Exodus 3:10-11).

Divine Assurance and Signs

• God’s Assurance: God assures Moses of His presence and promises that the sign of God’s true sending will be that they will worship God on this mountain after the people are freed from Egypt (Exodus 3:12).
• Revelation of God’s Name: When Moses asks what he should say to the Israelites if they ask for the name of the God who sent him, God reveals His name as “I AM WHO I AM” (Yahweh), signifying His eternal presence and unchanging nature (Exodus 3:13-15).

Theological Significance and Connection to Jesus Christ

Christological Significance

• God’s Self-Revelation: The revelation of God’s name and His engagement with Moses foreshadow Jesus Christ, who reveals God more fully to humanity. Jesus, in John’s Gospel, uses similar “I am” statements to reveal His divine nature and mission.
• Deliverance and Salvation: Moses’ mission to deliver the Israelites prefigures Jesus’ mission to deliver all humanity from sin. Both are sent by God as deliverers, though Jesus’ deliverance is spiritual and eternal.

Divine Love and Its Implications

• Compassion and Action: God’s response to the suffering of the Israelites reflects His compassionate nature, showing His readiness to intervene out of love for His people.
• Promise of Presence: God’s promise of His presence with Moses during the mission exemplifies His loving commitment to be with His followers in their endeavors.

Contemporary Relevance

Why Exodus 3 Still Matters Today

• Understanding God’s Nature: The chapter provides profound insights into the nature of God as compassionate, responsive, and self-revealing, which is essential for developing a deeper relationship with Him.
• Calling and Vocation: Moses’ call encourages believers to consider their own sense of divine calling and the importance of responding to God’s initiatives with faith, even when faced with daunting tasks.
• Justice and Liberation: The narrative inspires action against oppression and injustice, highlighting the role of faith in driving societal changes.

Exodus 3 not only sets the stage for the liberation of the Israelites but also offers timeless lessons on God’s character, the nature of divine callings, and the power of faith in effecting change.