Exodus 3.1-12: Revelation, Reluctance, and Reassurance (1)
Moses, God’s chosen deliverer is far away in Midian and seems to be very reluctant to return to Egypt.
And so God makes himself known to Moses in a conversation that runs from verse 1 of chapter 3 down to end of verse 17 in chapter 4.
On this particular day Moses is up on Mount Horeb, which is also called Mount Sinai, and he sees an unusual sight. A thorn bush is burning but it isn’t being consumed by the fire. We are told that this fire is the very appearance of the LORD. Out of curiosity Moses moves closer when he hears a voice calling him, then God says “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”
Moses meets God. Or perhaps more accurately, God makes himself known to Moses.
God reveals to Moses that he is holy. The word holy means set apart or pure. It is holy ground and fire often symbolizes God’s brilliant perfection, his unapproachable light.
God reveals that he is gracious. The fire is raging but the bush is not being burnt up. God is a consuming fire, but the bush is still living. And the same can be said for Moses. He is before the holy God, but he is not consumed. God has been gracious and given access to Moses.
God reveals that he keeps his promises. Verses 6-7. God sees, hears and knows. The LORD, the Covenant God, is going to fulfill the promises he has made.
God reveals that he is the saving God. Verse 8. He will save a people for himself. He is the God who delivers his people.
But Moses is reluctant. In verse 11 Moses makes his first excuse, “Who am I?”
So God reassures Moses in verse 12, “But I will be with you.”
What great reassurance as God calls on his deliverer to fulfill the task of bringing the people of Israel out of Egypt. God will go with him. And just as God has promised so he will do.
Jesus Christ willingly was sent as the one, true deliverer, and in Jesus Christ we too are sent to bring the Good News to others. Just as God has made known who he is to us, so he sends us with the Good News. Let us not be reluctant like Moses, but willing like our Saviour.
Questions
- What kinds of excuses can we make to God?
- Why is it reassuring to know that God is with us?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks that God is with His people.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.