Moses’ encounter with God in the burning bush is my favorite story in all of Scripture. Here you have Moses acclimating to new life as a humbled outcast. He was rejected by his own people (the Israelites) and ran out of town by the folks that raised him (the Egyptians). He is now a stranger in a strange land biding his time as a shepherd for his father-in-law.
One day Moses takes the flock to the far side of the wilderness when something catches his eye: he sees a bush on fire. Now, perhaps that in and of itself is not all that strange. What is strange, however, is that this bush was that “though the bush was on fire it did not burn up.” Something about this burning bush captivates Moses and he has to go see this strange sight.
It’s here that Moses encounters the God of his father, and Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob. In other words, this is the God of Moses’ people. This God gives Moses a commission to help deliver the Israelites out of slavery and Moses is (rightfull) nervous/anxious/terrified. Moses wonders if the Israelites will believe him. What if they ask specifics about this God? What is his name?
God replies to Moses: “I AM WHO I AM.” It’s as if God is saying to Moses that even my name is more than you can reasonably comprehend. Moses is invited to encounter this great, awe-inspiring God who has made Himself known, and this invitation is extended to us today.
Dinner Table Conversations:
Adult & Teen Table Talk:
- What do I need to “remove” or “take off” from my life to create space for God?
- What voices am I actively listening for or actively neglecting?
Little Learners’ Table Talk:
- Why do we want to listen to God?
Sermon Title: Into the Mystery
Sermon Series: God With Us: Exodus
Sermon Passage: Exodus 3:1-15
Closing Scripture: Isaiah 55:8-9
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