Introduction

Good morning, Church family. Today, we're gonna dive into a pretty familiar passage of Scripture, but as we do, let's ask God to open our eyes anew to the timeless truths He wants to communicate to us. We'll be hanging out in Exodus 3, where Moses has an unexpected encounter with God in the form of a burning bush.

In this passage, we see God's divine presence, Moses' call to leadership, and the significance of the burning bush.

A.W. Tozer once said, "God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which He must work. Only to know this is to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves." As we read through Exodus 3, let's remember that God is never in a rush, even when He's calling us into new and challenging roles.

God's Presence in the Burning Bush

The burning bush in Exodus 3 is a symbol of God's divine presence. It's a moment where the natural and supernatural intersect, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Moses, a shepherd in the wilderness, encounters a bush that is ablaze but not consumed. This is not a natural phenomenon; it's a supernatural manifestation of God's presence. This encounter is a reminder that God is not confined to temples or holy places. He is present everywhere, even in the most unexpected places like a desert wilderness.

God's holiness: When Moses approaches the bush, God instructs him to remove his sandals because he is standing on holy ground. This is a powerful reminder of the reverence we should have for God's presence. His holiness is not something to be taken lightly. It's not something we can casually stroll into. It's something that demands our respect and awe.

God's self-sustaining nature: The bush burns without being consumed. This is a picture of God's eternal nature. He is the self-existent One, the great "I AM." He doesn't need anything or anyone to sustain Him. He is the source of all life and existence. This is a comforting truth for us. In a world where everything is transient and temporary, we serve a God who is eternal and unchanging.

God's purifying presence: Fire in the Bible often represents purification. When we encounter God's presence, it has a purifying effect on us. It burns away the chaff in our lives, the things that are not of Him. It refines us and makes us more like Him. This is a process that can be painful at times, but it's necessary for our spiritual growth.

God's illuminating presence: Fire gives off light. In the same way, God's presence brings light into our lives. It exposes the darkness and brings clarity and understanding. It guides us and shows us the way. This is especially important when we're going through difficult times. When we're in the wilderness of life, God's presence is our guiding light.

Moses' Call to Leadership

Moses' call to leadership is a significant moment not only in his life but also in the history of the Israelites ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO