Scripture:
Exodus 3:1-4 NKJV
[1] Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. [2] And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. [3] Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.” [4] So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”
Observation:
I think about this portion of the scripture often because Moses is very interesting to me. His life started under attack before he was ever able to defend himself. Being raised as something he wasn’t and more than likely not even aware of it until later on in life. Which kind of put him in a spot. Seeing one of his people being mistreated, he came to their rescue, and honestly, that just made things worse. Ending him up on the back side of the desert tending some sheep that were not even his. After 40 years of wandering in the desert, it was finally time. GOD thought he was ready. I’m pretty sure GOD knew just how to get his attention. I mean, who would not stop and look at a bush that was on fire? Especially if it was not being consumed. That’s the part of this that has always caught my attention. The bush was not consumed by the fire. It’s my understanding that when fire is mentioned in the bible. It generally has to do with purification. The Crucible, for example, is a melding pot where fire is used to turn precious metals into a liquid so that the impurities are removed. The interesting part of this story, however, is that nothing was being consumed or removed. The fire of GOD was burning, but everything stayed intact. I believe this is a statement from GOD HIMSELF about HIMSELF, much like the I AM statement later on in the story if you continue to read on. Which I encourage you to do. Anyway, the fiery bush caught the attention of Moses… I want us to notice this next statement in verse 3,” I will turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.” What I want us to see is that Moses has to change his direction. He has to go a different way. The scripture says… “I will turn aside.” So just making this observation from knowing the story of Moses a little bit. What I see is that the way he was going was not working in order to come into the presence of GOD. He had to change his direction. But he made the right choice. He turned to see the wonders of this bush that was burning yet not consumed. So, let’s look at that statement for a second. As we know, fire is always about purification. Yet nothing was being consumed by this fire. I believe that’s because GOD is already pure so pure that nothing could be consumed. So let’s take a look at verse 4. Because just like every scripture in the bible, it’s very important. Moses had to turn to see GOD in the fiery bush. But the LORD also noticed that he turned. Verse 4 says, “So when the LORD saw that he had turned aside to look. GOD called to him from the midst of the burning bush, Moses, Moses! Notice the apostrophe after the second time his name is said. Emphasizing the second time. Like GOD had to say his name twice because the first time Moses somewhat ignored HIM or paid little attention, the LORD made sure HE was heard. Moses’ response was simple…” Here I am,” that statement showed a willingness to listen. It was time for something different. We all know the rest of the story, and if not, I will bring a little light to it. The first thing the LORD says to Moses is to see if HIS statement ” here I am” was truly a statement of willingness to obey… take off your sandals because you are standing on Holy ground.
Application:
GOD has a wonderful way of getting our attention. HE also knows exactly when we are ready… even if we don’t think we are… in fact, if we think we are ready, we are probably not. I honestly can’t tell you how many times GOD Revealed HIMSELF to me, and I didn’t turn aside to see HIM. From the penitentiary to car wrecks to my life being burned down to the ground 9ver and over HE said… son, all I want is your attention for just a minute, and if you turn to me, I will show you things you have never seen before. So my question for you today is, does GOD have your attention has HE shown you that HE is pure and Holy, and means you no harm. The life you build on your own will burn to the ground, but what HE has for you can not be consumed by fire because HE can not be consumed by fire, and what HE wants for you is HIM. He wants to be your everything. Had I continued in the scripture… which I encourage you to do. You would have seen how the LORD identified HIMSELF… “I AM.” That statement tells me HE is everything… and HE wants to be our everything. Another question I have for you is this… has GOD asked you to be obedient in recognizing HIS Holiness by removing what keeps you separated from HIM? The first thing that we have to do is turn from our way to HIS, and then we have to remove what keeps us from HIM being doers of HIS word, not hearers only. What HE honestly wants is our attention. HE wants to know if we hear HIS still small voice. Because if we don’t, HE will speak again with emphasis. But it could cost another 40 years in the desert. The number 40 in the bible is always associated with a time of testing. I just found that interesting and felt like it was a good thing to pass on. My point to all this is to see if GOD has your attention. Does HE need to call your name again, and when HE does, are you going to be obedient? I don’t want anything keeping me from what GOD wants for me. What HE wants is to use us for something greater than we could ever imagine. If we listen and be obedient, HIS plan is more than leading sheep in the desert. HE wants to use us to set the captives free. Your time in the desert could very well be over.
Prayer:
Father, you are so Holy and beloved. Your plan for us is so much more than we could fathom. Even if we tried to put it into perspective, we would fall way short of what you want for us. Thank you for calling my name. Thank you for your grace and mercy that brought us to the desert so you could get our attention. I believe you have it. We want to be obedient. We do not want anything to separate us from you. Our lives are yours. We are clay in your hands. We want to be used by you. We pray that the way we live today brings you glory and honor. Lead us. Help us hear your voice. We want to do what you ask us to. Help us to know your word and not be deceived by fluffy ear ticklers. We want to see your face. We want to know what you want and we want to be obedient in that. Lead us through your Holy Spirit and show us in your word. Our hearts are yours. You are our everything. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.