Moses – The Making of a LeaderSample

Day 4:  Moses and the Burning Bush 

Thoughts on the Passage

This is a long passage – but a very important one.

First, God chooses to act. It is a promise that He made to Abraham, but the people's cry for help is what makes this moment happen. How many of us wait on promises but never cry out for God to keep His Word and answer His promises? Their cry came because of their suffering. That was enough for God – He now acts.

Second, God goes to Moses and calls him to be the person He uses to set His people free. Forty years of working as a shepherd – and now God says it is time! God has a great sense of humor!! Moses is eighty years old; he is forty years out of touch with the problems; he failed when he thought he was ready; and now God calls him to the task! I do not blame Moses at all for thinking this is a bad idea.

Third, God is making this moment a special revelation moment. God reveals His covenant name that He will use with His people – Yahweh (“I AM”). It was a name He used with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, but they did not know it was the special covenant name. Now God reveals it to Moses. 

This name has many facets (like faces on a diamond) – we will see it revealed throughout the centuries to the people of God. This is where it starts.

[Just a quick note. Every major revelation of God to mankind – here, Mt Sinai and Pentecost – all see God appear as fire. I am not sure what that means, but it is important. I will be studying this more deeply sometime].

Fourth, God gives some clarity on what to expect. The Pharaoh will not let them go easily; there will be a contest where God will do wonders, and Israel will leave with the wealth of Egypt on their children. This sounds really simple and straightforward – it will not be. Still it gives Moses a heads up when he faces difficulty. 

Fifth, we see Moses with his face down. This is his first time in the presence of God and it makes him afraid. That is where it starts – but it does not end there. This is the beginning of the journey of the life of Moses into the presence of God.

Application to our Life

Do I have a promise from God – unfulfilled? Am I praying and asking God to fulfill it?

God’s timing is different than ours, but when it comes, do not expect it to showcase our readiness. It often shows our weakness and reliance upon Him at times like this.

Time to Pray
Father, as I look at the life of Moses up to this moment, there is nothing that would indicate a man ready to do one of the greatest acts of leadership the world has seen. What does it take to be a leader like this? I want to lead with this style of leadership – even though my task is not as great. It starts with a burning bush. It starts with his face down. It starts with Moses afraid. It starts here but it changes. Father, that is what I want as well. I want to know You and Your presence like Moses did. It will take time. It will have tough moments. It has to start here. Start it afresh in my life I pray. In Jesus' name, Amen.