Moses: Day 6

Moses: Called, Challenged, Changed

Day 6--Holy Ground

Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, “I will go over to see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” Exodus 3:1-3

Suggested reading: Exodus 3:1-10

I think that if someone were to discuss Moses’ story with you, the “burning bush” would most likely be part of the conversation. How strange, a burning bush that neither disintegrated to ashes nor spread to neighboring terrain—a remarkable act of God in its own right!

Let’s briefly revisit the familiar Bible story. God called to Moses from the burning bush:

“Moses! Moses!”

And Moses said, “Here I am.”

“Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground” (v 4-5).

Can you imagine being called by God in this way? As we know, God did not draw Moses there for a casual conversation; he had a reason for luring this now 80-year-old shepherd into His presence.

Notice all the verbs in God’s words to Moses:

“I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob…I have seen the misery of my people in Egypt.” At this Moses hid his face because he was afraid to look at God. “I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned by their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them…

…now, go, I am sending you to Pharoah to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt” (v 7-10).

I think Moses, although very timid due to the holiness of the situation, was really ok with all that God said about Himself until the last part: I am sending you. (More on Moses’ response in tomorrow’s post).

Thoughts:

Before we think about Moses and his issues, let’s think about God and his character. I’m not sure if this is an entirely accurate definition, but I like to think of God’s “holiness” as a combination of ALL of his names at the same time.

From this passage alone, God is:

Supernatural (unconsumed burning bush)

The Father (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all who believe in Him through Christ)

Personal God (draws Moses)

The God who Sees

The God who Hears

The God who Cares

The God who Rescues

Promising God (He will… bring them to a land flowing with milk and honey, v 8)

All these co-existing names make me want to bow my head and humbly whisper OR take my shoes off and bravely shout, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” (Rev. 4:8)). A reminder: we are living in the “is” part of this verse!

My prayer today is that we would take some time to enter the presence of God, believing that where God is, his holiness is also. Worship Him. If you feel led, whether from this passage or a personal experience, please share a name or characteristic of God below so that we can worship our God and OUR Father together. We are Soul Sisters because of Him.

Going deeper and sweeter: 2 Chronicles 16:9; 1 Peter 3:12; Psalm 40:17

Dear Lord,

You are holy! How humbling to be in your all-consuming yet mercifully contained presence. We praise you with all our heart, soul, mind and strength today. Amen.