“The Calling of Moses: How God Spoke from the Burning Bush”

“The Calling of Moses: How God Spoke from the Burning Bush”

Exodus 3:1-12

 Introduction:

Exodus 3 serves as a transformative juncture in the biblical narrative, encapsulating a moment of divine revelation that lays the foundation for Israel’s liberation from oppression. In this chapter, we witness Moses, a figure who transitioned from the privileged life of an Egyptian prince to the humble existence of a shepherd in Midian. Moses encounters God in the striking phenomenon of a burning bush that remains unconsumed. This extraordinary theophany represents more than a dramatic spectacle; it is a profound invitation to engage in a divine mission.

God’s call to Moses is intimate and personal, as He addresses him by name, demonstrating a deep awareness of the suffering endured by His people in Egypt. In this moment, God unveils His most sacred name, “I AM WHO I AM,” a powerful declaration that underscores His eternal and self-sufficient essence. This revelation affirms God’s commitment to His people and introduces a radical understanding of divine identity.

Moses’ initial reluctance and feelings of inadequacy highlight a universal struggle with self-doubt when faced with great responsibility. Yet, God’s response is one of assurance and promise, emphasising that His presence will accompany Moses throughout this daunting task. This chapter encapsulates the profound interplay between human vulnerability and divine empowerment. It invites readers to reflect on their calls and the transformative potential of embracing the divine purpose in their lives.

Moses’ Humble Life in the Desert

By this point, Moses had been living in the wilderness of Midian for 40 years. Once a prince in Pharaoh’s palace, he was now a shepherd, and not even of his own flock. The sheep he tended belonged to Jethro, his father-in-law, a priest in Midian.

The phrase “Moses kept the flock” shows this was his regular, everyday job, a far cry from the power and privilege he once knew in Egypt. God often calls people when they faithfully do the ordinary things of life.

Horeb – The Mountain of God

Moses led the sheep to Horeb, also called Mount Sinai — a place that would later become sacred in Israel’s history. The name “Horeb” likely means “desolation” or “desert”, emphasising the rugged, barren nature of the place. But in this quiet wilderness, God would break the silence of centuries and speak to His chosen servant.

The Burning Bush – A Divine Encounter

While doing his daily work, Moses suddenly saw something astonishing: a bush engulfed in flames, yet not burned up. It’s not rare for dry plants in the desert to catch fire under extreme heat, but this was different. The fire kept burning, yet the bush remained untouched.

Two remarkable things stood out:

1. The Angel of the LORD appeared in the fire.
2. The bush burned, but was not consumed.

This fire was not ordinary. The Angel of the LORD (often understood to be a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ) spoke from the fire, later identifying Himself as Jehovah (v. 4). Bible scholars note that this is not a created angel but a manifestation of God Himself, the One who would deliver His people.

The Burning Bush – Symbolism and Meaning

The bush was more than just a miracle; it was a message. Many see the burning bush as a symbol of Israel: oppressed by Egypt’s cruelty, yet not destroyed, because God was in their midst.

Others connect the bush to the cross of Christ. The Hebrew word for “bush” refers to a thorny plant, a bramble or thorn bush. Jesus wore a crown of thorns and faced the fires of God’s judgment on the cross, yet He endured and was not consumed. In this way, the burning bush foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ.

Moses Draws Near

Moses didn’t just glance at the bush; he was compelled to get a closer look. He said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight.” This wasn’t curiosity alone; it was reverence. Something told him this was no ordinary fire.

Some have tried to explain the burning bush naturally, as a mirage, reflected light, or a natural fire. But Moses, who had spent four decades in this wilderness, knew this was supernatural. This was holy ground.

The Angel of the LORD – More Than a Messenger

As commentator Adam Clarke notes:

“Not a created angel certainly, for he is called Jehovah… And who is this but JESUS, the Leader, Redeemer, and Saviour of all mankind?”

This “Angel” is not merely a messenger; He is God Himself, appearing in a form Moses could bear to see. It reminds us that God comes near, even in the most unexpected places—a burning bush in the wilderness, a cross on a hill.

God Calls to Moses from the Burning Bush

(Exodus 3:4–6, KJV)

“And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.
And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.
Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.”

“When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see”

In a profound moment of divine interaction, God chose not to speak until Moses redirected his attention. This reveals a significant truth: often, God awaits our readiness to listen before He unveils deeper aspects of His nature. The spectacle of the burning bush was not merely to captivate Moses but to beckon him into a transformative encounter. The profound message from God would only come when Moses chose to engage. 

Many encounter their own “burning bushes”, those pivotal moments that beckon us to recognise God’s presence. Yet, it is only those who pause, reflect, and truly listen who hear God’s voice speak into their lives.

“God called unto him out of the midst of the bush”

Moses experienced a direct communion with the divine through the extraordinary voice emanating from the burning bush. Although he perceived no physical form, this was not an ordinary interaction; it was the Angel of the LORD, the same figure who previously engaged with Hagar, Gideon, and many others throughout Scripture. Scholars often interpret this “Angel” as a pre-incarnate revelation of Jesus Christ, intimately involved in the narrative of God’s people long before His birth in Bethlehem. 

Jesus, as the one who reveals God to humanity, emphasises the personal connection: “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son… he hath declared him.” (John 1:18).

“Moses, Moses!”

God called him by name in a moment of profound personal recognition, underscoring that even after 40 years of obscurity in the wilderness, Moses was neither forgotten nor overlooked. The urgent repetition of “Moses, Moses!” carries both intimacy and urgency, echoing throughout Scripture in other instances where God prepares to intervene: “Abraham, Abraham!” (Genesis 22:11), “Samuel, Samuel!” (1 Samuel 3:10), “Martha, Martha” (Luke 10:41), “Saul, Saul” (Acts 9:4). 

God knows you intimately; He calls each person individually, not as a faceless crowd, but as cherished beings bearing His image.

“Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes…”

With divine intimacy comes the establishment of boundaries. While God calls Moses closer, He emphasises His holiness, inviting reverence and humility in approaching Him. The phrase “Draw not nigh hither” beckons Moses to pause. This call to respect manifests in a symbolically charged instruction: “Put off thy shoes…” Removing one’s sandals embodies humility and recognises the sacredness of the moment. 

Moses stands on holy ground, not because of the terrain, but due to the very presence of God. Holiness exists wherever God is present. 

The act of shedding shoes also conveys a deeper truth: laying aside the “dirt” and the baggage of sin accumulated from life’s journey, akin to the repentance that opens our hearts to God’s transformative power. As Clarke remarked, “Pulling off the shoes was, therefore, an emblem of laying aside the pollutions contracted by walking in the way of sin.”

“I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob”

God’s self-identification is deeply significant; He does not introduce Himself as a stranger or a new deity but as the God of covenant who remained faithfully connected to the patriarchs. This assures Moses that, despite centuries of Israel’s suffering in Egypt, God’s covenantal promises have not been forgotten. 

 God’s promises endure even through silence, alive and active across generations. Moses would have a more intimate relationship with God than Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob. Still, it began with this powerful affirmation: “I am the same God who initiated this grand narrative. And I am still writing it.”

“And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God”

Moses’ immediate reaction is a compelling manifestation of reverent fear. He stands before the holy, eternal, and personal God, acutely aware of his unworthiness. This moment marks a pivotal shift in Moses’ journey: decades earlier, he acted boldly and even violently, erroneously thinking he could champion Israel’s cause alone. Now, in the divine presence, he is humbled, struck silent, and utterly overwhelmed by the moment’s gravity. 

This moment not only redefines Moses but also invites us to consider our encounters with the divine and the humility required to approach a holy God.

God Reveals His Plan and Moses’ Role

(Exodus 3:7–10, KJV)

7 And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;
8 And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
9 Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.
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.

In the narrative of Exodus, we encounter profound insights into God’s character and the dynamics of His relationship with humanity. This passage is not just a historical account; it resonates with timeless truths about divine compassion, intervention, and the calling of ordinary individuals.

The Heart of a Compassionate God

The phrase “I have surely seen the affliction…” reveals God’s intimate awareness of human suffering. In Hebrew, this expression conveys a remarkable intensity; it’s not a distant acknowledgement but an active, engaged vision. God, who seemed silent amidst the Israelites’ centuries of oppression, now speaks with a heart full of compassion.

It’s critical to grasp that divine silence does not equate to indifference. Instead, it often indicates a divine orchestration of events, preparing for a breakthrough. God isn’t merely observing their pain; He deeply feels every lash from the oppressor, every tear shed in despair, and every injustice inflicted upon His people. This relational knowledge of suffering emphasises that our cries are not lost; they are heard and felt by a God who cares profoundly, as Jesus demonstrated through His tears at Lazarus’ tomb (John 11:35).

Divine Intervention with Purpose

When God declares, “I have come down to deliver them…”, it marks a pivotal moment in redemptive history. This isn’t just a promise of rescue from slavery; it’s a promise of transition into a life of abundance, a land “good and large, flowing with milk and honey.” This imagery starkly contrasts the constraints of their bondage in Egypt.

However, God’s promise doesn’t ignore the reality of challenges ahead. The land is occupied by formidable nations, underscoring that the path to liberation will be fraught with struggles. Yet, through these challenges, God’s power and leadership will shine brightest, transforming obstacles into opportunities for divine demonstration.

A God Who Listens Again and Again

God reiterates His understanding of their suffering with a sense of urgency, “the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me…” This repetition reinforces a crucial truth: No cry for help is ever overlooked. The buildup of His words, seeing, hearing, and knowing, culminates in the divine call to action. For every groan, every tear, there lies a turning point where human anguish ignites divine intervention.

Moses, the Reluctant Deliverer

God calls Moses to be the instrument of this deliverance in a stunning shift. “Come now therefore, and I will send thee…” marks a transition from divine compassion to divine commissioning. The beautiful tension emerges: God, in His sovereignty, acts through human agents. Throughout Scripture, we see this theme—God uses flawed individuals, each with their failures, to accomplish His purposes. Moses, once a man of choices and mistakes, is now chosen to lead. It’s a reminder that God’s call often meets us in our weaknesses, transforming inadequacies into vessels of His strength.

God’s Heart and God’s Mission

God refers to Israel as “my people,” reinforcing the depth of His covenantal bond with them. Their identity remains intact despite their circumstances; they are not merely a nation but a treasured possession. God’s mission transcends mere political liberation; it’s a deeper call to spiritual redemption. He desires to lead them not just out of bondage, but into a relationship where they can truly know, worship, and walk with Him, a foreshadowing of the greater exodus through Christ, which liberates from sin and death.

A God Who Sees, Sends, and Saves

Exodus 3:7 10 invites us to profoundly understand God’s character and His ongoing invitation to participate in His mission. We discover a God who sees deeply, hears fully, and knows intimately. His actions are purposeful, guiding His people not only out of captivity but into lives enriched with meaning and purpose.

As we reflect on this passage, we must ask ourselves: Are we, like Moses, ready to turn aside and listen? Are we prepared to respond to His call, even when it feels daunting? God is still calling today, urging us to say, “Here am I”, to engage in His work of compassion and redemption in our world. The task may seem overwhelming, but with God, we journey from affliction into abundance, from bondage to belonging.

Moses’ Objection and God’s Reassurance

(Exodus 3:11–12, KJV)

11 And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?
12 And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.

Who Am I? — Moses’ Journey of Humility and Self-Discovery

When Moses stands before God, grappling with the enormity of his calling, his initial words are a powerful testament to his transformation: “Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh?” This isn’t mere false humility; it’s a sincere expression of a man who has journeyed through the crucible of life, shaped by time, trials, and personal failures.

Once a man of privilege, educated in Pharaoh’s court, Moses believed he was destined for greatness and poised to lead a revolution. Yet, his grand aspirations crumbled in the face of reality. His bold attempt to deliver his people led to rejection and exile, forcing him into a long and lonely wilderness of Midian. Four decades later, the former prince feels forgotten, reduced to a shepherd, wrestling with feelings of inadequacy and doubt.

This brokenness isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s the necessary stripping away of pride and self-reliance that God orchestrated in Moses’s life. Once filled with self-importance, Moses now sees himself as a nobody. However, here lies the paradox of strength; Moses’ failure to trust in himself becomes the foundation of his future success, not through his strength but through his humility and dependence on God.

When we echo Moses’ question—”Who am I?”—we often overlook the more profound truth that God sees beyond our limitations. The essence of God’s response to Moses—”I am with you”—reminds us that divine purpose isn’t defined by our perceived inadequacies but rather by God’s unwavering presence.

The Divine Assurance — God’s Affirmation of Our Calling

God’s simple reply to Moses is striking: “Certainly I will be with thee.” This isn’t a cliché pep talk; it’s a profound promise that encapsulates all the assurance Moses could ever need. Throughout Scripture, this promise reverberates, dispelling fear and uncertainty at every pivotal moment.

To Jacob, fleeing from his past: “I am with thee.” To Joshua, stepping into Moses’s daunting shoes: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.” To Gideon, trembling in fear: “I will surely be with thee.” And to the Church, Jesus echoes the same sentiment: “Lo, I am with you always.”

God doesn’t simply call us to take on challenges; He promises to walk alongside us. This is the essence of Emmanuel: God with us. Each of us faces daunting tasks; whether in parenting, leadership, or contributing to our communities, and the truth remains: our strength is not our own, but rather rooted in the One who says, “I am with you.”

Who Am I? — Moses’ Journey of Humility and Self-Discovery

When Moses stands before God, grappling with the enormity of his calling, his initial words are a powerful testament to his transformation: “Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh?” This isn’t mere false humility; it’s a sincere expression of a man who has journeyed through the crucible of life, shaped by time, trials, and personal failures.

Once a man of privilege, educated in Pharaoh’s court, Moses believed he was destined for greatness and poised to lead a revolution. Yet, his grand aspirations crumbled in the face of reality. His bold attempt to deliver his people led to rejection and exile, forcing him into a long and lonely wilderness of Midian. Four decades later, the former prince feels forgotten, reduced to a shepherd, wrestling with feelings of inadequacy and doubt.

This brokenness isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s the necessary stripping away of pride and self-reliance that God orchestrated in Moses’s life. Once filled with self-importance, Moses now sees himself as a nobody. However, here lies the paradox of strength; Moses’ failure to trust in himself becomes the foundation of his future success, not through his strength but through his humility and dependence on God.

When we echo Moses’ question; “Who am I;” we often overlook the more profound truth that God sees beyond our limitations. The essence of God’s response to Moses—”I am with you”—reminds us that divine purpose isn’t defined by our perceived inadequacies but rather by God’s unwavering presence.

The Divine Assurance ; God’s Affirmation of Our Calling

God’s simple reply to Moses is striking: “Certainly I will be with thee.” This isn’t a cliché pep talk; it’s a profound promise that encapsulates all the assurance Moses could ever need. Throughout Scripture, this promise reverberates, dispelling fear and uncertainty at every pivotal moment.

To Jacob, fleeing from his past: “I am with thee.” To Joshua, stepping into Moses’s daunting shoes: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.” To Gideon, trembling in fear: “I will surely be with thee.” And to the Church, Jesus echoes the same sentiment: “Lo, I am with you always.”

God doesn’t simply call us to take on challenges; He promises to walk alongside us. This is the essence of Emmanuel—God with us. Each of us faces daunting tasks—whether in parenting, leadership, or contributing to our communities—and the truth remains: our strength is not our own, but rather rooted in the One who says, “I am with you.”

Sign of Hope — Obedience and Future Assurance

Then God offers Moses a striking sign: “When thou hast brought the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.” This is more than a mere promise—it’s a prophetic glimpse into the future, a declaration of inevitable victory. Yet, intriguingly, this assurance comes only after Moses’ obedience.

Often, we wait for confirmation before taking a leap of faith. However, sometimes God requires us to step forward; it is only through our obedience that we receive the assurance of His presence. Moses learns the vital lesson that faith often precedes experience. His encounter at the burning bush symbolises the present moment, while Mount Sinai represents the culmination of God’s promise.

Here’s a beautiful full-circle moment: the mountain where Moses trembled in fear will transform into a sacred worship site for an entire nation. The place of apprehension becomes the site of covenant, where a people unite in the awe of receiving God’s commands.

God calls not those who are equipped but those willing to trust Him. He invites us into a collective journey of faith—a mission that carries the weight of history, where we, too, can participate in something divinely transformative.

In summary, Moses’ story resonates deeply with all of us. It is a reminder that our perceived inadequacies can be the very things that lead us to God’s power and presence. When faced with life’s challenges, may we lean into the promise that echoes through time: “Certainly I will be with thee.” A Sign of Hope; Obedience and Future Assurance**

Then God offers Moses a striking sign: “When thou hast brought the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.” This is more than a mere promise; it’s a prophetic glimpse into the future, a declaration of inevitable victory. Yet, intriguingly, this assurance comes only after Moses’ obedience.

Often, we wait for confirmation before taking a leap of faith. However, sometimes God requires us to step forward; it is only through our obedience that we receive the assurance of His presence. Moses learns the vital lesson that faith often precedes experience. His encounter at the burning bush symbolises the present moment, while Mount Sinai represents the culmination of God’s promise.

Here’s a beautiful full-circle moment: the mountain where Moses trembled in fear will transform into a sacred worship site for an entire nation. The place of apprehension becomes the site of covenant, where a people unite in the awe of receiving God’s commands.

Conclusion,

In Exodus 3:1-12, we encounter a pivotal moment that forever changes the course of history and profoundly shapes Moses’ life. While going about his routine as a humble shepherd in the desolate wilderness, Moses comes across a miraculous sight: a burning bush that blazes with fire yet remains unconsumed. This extraordinary encounter draws him closer to an astonishing divine presence. Here, God calls Moses to embark on a monumental mission as the deliverer of Israel. This assignment not only alters the fabric of Moses’ existence but also redirects the destiny of an entire nation.

This passage highlights several key spiritual truths that resonate with us today:

God Meets Us Where We Are

Moses, an everyday shepherd far removed from the splendour of Egypt, receives God’s call right in the midst of his ordinary life. This moment is a powerful reminder that divine encounters often happen unexpectedly, woven into our daily routines. Just as God spoke to Moses in the wilderness, He reaches out to us in our everyday circumstances, eager to fulfil His purposes through our lives.

God’s Holy Presence

When God instructs Moses to remove his sandals because he stands on sacred ground, He emphasises His holiness’s awe-inspiring and unapproachable nature. This profound moment calls us to approach God with reverence, recognising that we enter His presence not by our own merit but through His grace. The burning bush symbolises the divine invitation to enter into a deeper relationship with the Holy One.

God Knows Our Struggles

God reveals His awareness of the Israelites’ suffering, affirming He has seen their pain and cries. This assurance is a comforting truth: our struggles do not go unnoticed by God. He is intimately aware of our hardships and is actively at work, orchestrating our deliverance and healing. In our moments of despair, we can find solace knowing that He cares deeply for our well-being.

God’s Call is Not About Our Ability, But His Presence

When Moses questions his qualifications to confront Pharaoh, God does not dwell on his capabilities. Instead, He reassures him with the promise of His unwavering presence: “I will certainly be with you.” This powerful reminder teaches us that our effectiveness does not stem from our strengths but from God’s presence and power. He does not always call the equipped; rather, He equips those He calls. Our confidence is rooted in His faithful companionship.

God’s Plan is Bigger Than Ours

The grand tapestry of God’s plan unfolds beyond what Moses can comprehend. The mission to deliver Israel from slavery is a crucial piece in a larger narrative that ultimately leads to salvation through Jesus Christ. Just as Moses could not grasp the full scope of God’s vision, we, too, may find ourselves puzzled by the plans set before us. Yet, we can trust His divine orchestration, believing He works all things for His good purpose.

The encounter at the burning bush marks the dawn of a new chapter in Moses’ life—a journey defined by divine direction, profound purpose, and unwavering presence. Just as God called Moses from the ordinary into the extraordinary, He beckons us to embrace His purposes. May we respond with open hearts and humility, fully aware that our worthiness is not contingent on our qualifications but on His empowering presence. Like Moses, let us step forward confidently, knowing that the God who calls us walks alongside us on every step of our journey.

“The Calling of Moses: How God Spoke from the Burning Bush”

DTA – Neil McBride

(CEO and founder of Downtown Angels)