Intro: God calls us by name and pursues us for a relationship in order to lead us on the righteous path for our lives. Yesterday, we looked at the call of Abram; to leave what was familiar in order to go to the unfamiliar with God. Today, we look at the call of Moses; to return to an oppressive environment (Egypt) in order to lead more people to the liberating God. Abram’s call was a vocational challenge to build his faith. Moses’ call was a complete reorientation of his life to build God’s people in faith.
Initially, Moses protests God’s call; he is overwhelmed by God’s presence and instruction. Moses experiences the holy One; he sees the supernatural power of God before him in the burning bush that is not destroyed. He feels unworthy to lead God’s people, because he can’t get beyond seeing things from a human perspective. God gives a promise to Abraham; God also gives a promise to Moses. God gives a promise to you and me. Five very important words for us to remember today, “I will be with you!” If God is with you, then you have all you need.
Exodus 3:1-6 NLT Moses and the Burning Bush
3 One day Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock far into the wilderness and came to Sinai, the mountain of God. 2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn’t burn up. 3 “This is amazing,” Moses said to himself. “Why isn’t that bush burning up? I must go see it.”
4 When the Lord saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, “Moses! Moses!”
“Here I am!” Moses replied.
5 “Do not come any closer,” the Lord warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. 6 I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” When Moses heard this, he covered his face because he was afraid to look at God.
7 Then the Lord told him, “I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land. 9 Look! The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. 10 Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.”
11 But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” 12 God answered, “I will be with you.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the call that rests on your children; you have a plan for each of our lives. We need to follow you and allow your grace to help us because you are all we need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.