“Now Moses was keeping the flock…he looked and behold, the bush was burning…when the LORD saw that he had turned aside to see He called to him ‘Moses’…Come, I will send you to Pharaoh and bring the children out of Egypt.” – Exodus 3:1-10
The rest of this first chapter, or “Book” (Genesis), of our story chronicles the work of God in the lives of Issac, Jacob, Rachel, Tamar, Joseph, and others. These examples illustrate how God, the Author of this story, interacts with those He created. We see them in their strengths and weaknesses. As we read we are drawn into the story because we see ourselves and some of our own struggles in this life. We realize that we are not the only ones…that we are not the first to wrestle with angels…or our personal doubts and failures. We are reminded that God is always there…that He is always rescuing…that our failures are not final. He didn’t give up on them and He won’t give up on you!
That brings us to our Scripture today in Exodus. There has been a change of scenery. The people of God have found themselves in unpleasant circumstances. They are in bondage in Egypt. They have cried out to God for help and He has heard their cry and, again, is coming to the rescue. We are now introduced to Moses.
We learned earlier in our journey that God speaks His story through those who know the story and “believe” the story. Now we learn that God uses those in the story as instruments to bring about His mighty work.
Several things to notice for our meditation today. First, Moses was doing his daily work when the LORD called him. He wasn’t at the Temple. He wasn’t at a revival service or a weekend retreat. God came to him in his everyday routine. Believer, God comes to you…speaks to you…calls you in your daily walk.
Second, Moses turned aside to see, or listen to, the LORD. When God speaks to us, it is still up to us to “turn aside”, to pay attention. When God saw that Moses was ready to listen, He spoke. Are you listening?
Third, God revealed His intention (a dramatic rescue) to Moses. Moses gets a special preview of where the story is going…and, to the surprise of Moses, unveiled his part in this plan. You see, when God reveals His plans to us He is also inviting us to be a part of it.
“Hey Moses” (yes) “Here’s what I am about to do. I would like you to help me.” (Not me Lord. I can’t do it) “Yes, you can because I will work with you” (But, I am afraid) “Don’t worry. I will be with you.” (What if I mess up?) “It will be OK. Trust me.”
God is working around you right now. Today He is ready to reveal Himself to you. Probably not a burning bush. As far as we know, that only happened once. But, if we watch and pray…open our eyes and look around…and pay attention, He will speak to your heart and make Himself known to you. Maybe it will give you some insight into your part of the story and how you can work with the Father in His plan to redeem this world.
You can take part in the story!