"The God Of The Burning Bush"

Exodus 3:1-20 "The God of the Burning Bush" 1In the burning bush God's PRE-EMINENCE was REAFFIRMED. Moses’ self confidence has been shattered. For 40 years he thought he was somebody, now in forty years he had learned he was nobody. he was now a failure.

When Moses first son was born, he named him Gersha ("driven, thrust out"). This expressed the 40 years of failure, loneliness, desperation, exhaustion, & frustration. v's 2 - 4 read

The first words, he heard from the bush were "Moses, Moses." God knew his name, address, location, and shattered dreams. God knows who you are, where you are, and what you are.

I. I SEE YOUR DILEMMA (SUFFERING), 7-9

II. I AM SENDING YOUR DELIVERANCE, 10-14

III. I AM FULFILLING MY DECLARATION (COVENANT), 15

A. I am your Fathers’ God B. I am your Faithful God

2. In the burning bush God's PRESENCE was REVEALED. v. 2 : "And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush." The burning bush was the symbol of Jehovah's Presence. 1. When God entered into covenant relationship with Abraham, His Presence was demonstrated by the lamp of fire that passed between the pieces of slain animals. 2. At Mt. Sinai in the giving of the Law God descended upon it in the form of fire. 3. The pillar which led Israel by night was a fire-cloud. 4. On the day of Pentecost flames of fire appeared and settled upon them. It was God's presence coming to indwell them in the person and power of the Holy Spirit. F. B. Meyer "It is not said that the bush was in the fire, but that the fire was in the bush; clearly, therefore we have here a picture of God's Presence in the midst of His despised and suffering people." 3. In the burning bush God's PURPOSE was REALIZED. In verses 7 and 8 read (a) God's Deliverance I. JESUS BROUGHT US OUT OF DARKNESS TO BRING US INTO LIGHT

1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

II. JESUS BROUGHT US OUT OF DEATH TO BRING US INTO LIFE

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

III. JESUS BROUGHT US OUT OF THE DUNGEON INTO LIBERTY John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. IV. JESUS BROUGHT US OUT OF THE DEVIL INTO THE LORD

Luke 13:16 And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?

V. JESUS BROUGHT US OUT OF DISCOURAGEMENT INTO LAUGHTER

Psalms 126:1-2 When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. 2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.

(b) God's Demands 10 Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.

God Demands Submission, Separation, Sanctification, & Service. God wants Moses to become a burning bush 2: "Behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed." Hebrews 11, "By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is invisible" (11:27). "Our God is a consuming fire, And will destroy earth's temporal things; He seeks to purify our lives, For service to the King of Kings." 4. In the burning bush God's POWER was RELEASED. v.10 "Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh that thou mayest bring forth my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt." God met his procrastination with a promise. 11 Moses declared he had no ability - "Who am I that I should go unto Pharaoh." Here God promised His presence. 12 And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; In verse 13 Moses declared he had no authority - "What shall I say unto them?" Here God provided His name. 14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: In chapter 4 v. 1 Moses declared he had no believability - And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee. Here God answered Moses with His power. 2 And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod. In chapter 4 v 10 Moses declared he had no eloquence - "I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue." Here God promised Moses His enablement. 11 And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. It is though God is saying, "Moses, if I can do that with a bush, what do you think I can do with you if you are willing to give yourself wholly over to my will for your life." Quaker 40 years old shopkeeper challenge of full salvation Dr. Rees writes: By the time of his death it was known that more than one thousand ministers and missionaries had received their call under him" 5. In the burning bush God's PLAN was RECLAIMED. Forty years earlier this same Moses was called by God to rescue His people, but at that time he failed. Now Moses is given another opportunity. Exodus ch. 4 vs 18 - 20 read "Holy Spirit, breathe on me, Until my heart is clear; Let sunshine fill its inmost part, With not a cloud between. Holy Spirit, breathe on me, My stubborn will subdue; Teach me in words of living flame, What Christ would have me do. Holy Spirit, breathe on me, Fill me with power divine; Kindle a flame of love and zeal, Within this heart of mine. Holy Spirit, breathe on me, Till I am all Thine own; Until my will is lost in Thine, To live for Thee alone."