ENCOUNTER AT THE BURNING BUSH
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Exodus 3:1-5
Supporting Texts: Acts 7:30-34, Isaiah 6:1-8, Genesis 28:16-17, Revelation 1:12-17
INTRODUCTION:
The burning bush represents a divine intersection between the natural and the supernatural. Moses was tending sheep—an ordinary task—when God interrupted his routine with a holy moment that redefined his life. The fire on the bush did not consume it, symbolising God’s power to use fragile vessels without destroying them.
Encounters with God are not random; they are purposeful and transformative. They happen when we least expect them but when we are most in need of direction. Divine encounters bring clarity, divine instruction, and repositioning for destiny fulfilment.
The question is not whether God still speaks—the question is whether we will turn aside and listen like Moses did. As we explore this passage, may we position ourselves to receive God’s holy visitation.
1. DIVINE ENCOUNTERS HAPPEN IN ORDINARY PLACES
Sometimes, God chooses the familiar to manifest the supernatural.
a) God meets us in our daily routine
God doesn’t always wait for perfect conditions—He comes into our ordinary (Exodus 3:1).
b) Divine moments often come without prior warning
Moses didn’t plan an encounter; it found him (Genesis 28:16–17).
c) The place becomes holy because of God’s presence
Wherever God reveals Himself becomes sacred ground (Exodus 3:5).
d) You must be spiritually alert to recognise divine visitation
Spiritual sensitivity helps you discern when God is near (Luke 24:31–32).
Biblical Example: Jacob encountered God at Bethel while fleeing, and the ordinary location became the “house of God” (Genesis 28:10–17).
2. GOD USES THE UNUSUAL TO DRAW OUR ATTENTION
The fire on the bush was a sign to awaken Moses’ spirit.
a) God uses signs and wonders to break our routines
The burning bush was not consumed (Exodus 3:2).
b) Unusual events often carry divine messages
Bartimaeus’ persistent cry broke through the crowd and brought healing (Mark 10:46-52).
c) God speaks through disruptions to our expectations
Storms, delays, and burning bushes are divine alerts (Jonah 1:4-17).
d) Curiosity that leads to God can birth transformation
Moses “turned aside” to see; that decision changed his life (Exodus 3:3-4).
Biblical Example: The star guided the wise men to Jesus, an unusual sight that revealed divine purpose (Matthew 2:1–2).
3. THE ENCOUNTER REQUIRES REVERENCE AND HOLINESS
Before we can hear God, we must recognise who He is.
a) God is holy and must be approached with reverence
He told Moses, “Take off your sandals” (Exodus 3:5).
b) We must come before God with a pure heart
Holiness is required to see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).
c) Reverence precedes revelation
Isaiah saw the Lord in His holiness and cried, “Woe is me” (Isaiah 6:1-5).
d) God’s presence should inspire awe, not casual familiarity
Familiarity can hinder sensitivity to God’s presence (2 Samuel 6:6-7).
Biblical Example: Uzzah's irreverence toward the Ark cost him his life, showing God’s holiness must be honoured (2 Samuel 6:6-7).
4. DIVINE ENCOUNTERS REVEAL PURPOSE
God doesn’t appear to entertain—He appears to assign.
a) God never calls without commissioning
He told Moses, “Now go, I am sending you” (Exodus 3:10).
b) Divine encounters clarify our calling
They reveal what we were born to do (Jeremiah 1:5-10).
c) God uses broken or forgotten vessels
Moses thought he was done, but God said he was just beginning (Exodus 3:11-12).
d) The encounter gives you a message for others
God reveals Himself so we can reveal Him to others (Acts 26:16-18).
Biblical Example: Saul’s encounter on the road to Damascus led to his apostolic mission (Acts 9:1-6).
5. GOD STILL ENCOUNTERS MEN TODAY
He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
a) God is not silent—He still speaks
He speaks through His Word, His Spirit, and circumstances (Hebrews 1:1-2).
b) The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus daily
Jesus manifests Himself to those who seek Him (John 14:21).
c) We must create space for divine encounters
Quiet time, prayer, and worship set the stage (James 4:8).
d) Obedience activates the purpose of the encounter
Moses’ yes led to the deliverance of Israel (Exodus 4:18-20).
Biblical Example: Cornelius' prayers brought a divine encounter that transformed his household (Acts 10:1-4, 30-34).
CONCLUSION:
Encounters with God are life-defining moments that transform direction, reveal purpose, and release destiny. Like Moses, we must learn to “turn aside” when God is calling through unexpected means. These encounters demand reverence, attention, and obedience.
God is still revealing Himself today. He desires to visit those who are humble, expectant, and available. May we never be too busy or too distracted to respond when the fire of divine presence calls us into deeper purpose.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to recognise divine encounters in my daily life.
2. Father, awaken my spirit to turn aside when You call.
3. Purify my heart so I can stand in reverence before You.
4. Reveal my divine assignment and equip me to fulfil it.
5. Let every divine encounter I experience draw me closer to You.
