When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from the bush, “Moses, Moses!”
Exodus 3:4
It amazes me that Christmas cards are still popular. In a day and age when everything is digital, it’s incredible that cards are still sent to share a message of Christmas greetings. I suppose there is a sense in which the tradition is part of the nostalgia, but it also provides a tangible, physical way to communicate to folks that we care about.
In the book of Exodus, we find a slightly stranger method of communication…
In Exodus chapter 3, we begin with Moses looking after sheep. By this point in his life Moses had already: survived genocide as a baby, grown up as a privileged royal, and then gone on the run after being guilty of a revenge killing.
Now, he’s spending his days caring for sheep in the middle of nowhere. That was, until he saw a bush on fire. It was probably not a strange occurrence in this part of the world, with the dry ground combined with high heat from the sun. Except, this day, the fire didn’t fizzle out.
So Moses thought, “I must go over and look at this remarkable sight. Why isn’t the bush burning up?” When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from the bush, “Moses, Moses!”
Exodus 3:3-4
Incredibly, in this moment, God chose to speak to this shepherd with a dark history, through a fire that wouldn’t burn out.
In this moment, God communicated his plan and purpose for Moses, and for his people, Israel. Moses would return to Egypt, his former homeland, and lead God’s people out of the misery of slavery.
Understandably, Moses was hesitant.
“I will certainly be with you.”
Exodus 3:12
The comfort God gave Moses wasn’t ‘You can do this’ or ‘I believe in you,’ but instead, the assurance of his own presence.
Moses was facing an impossible task, but the clear communication through this burning bush was that God would be the one to complete it. Moses was simply tasked with following along and passing on the communication.
The proof was in the pudding, as God went on to demonstrate his might and rule over the Egyptians, leading his people out of slavery to freedom, as he promised.
God might not communicate to us through a burning bush, and he might not use a Christmas card, but he has given us his Word. Today, we have better access than ever to the Bible. In it, God speaks clearly. The main things of the Bible are understandable and sufficient, and the more complex parts of the Bible show the depths of these main things.
The whole Bible is about Jesus, Emmanuel. The word incarnate. In Jesus we see and hear God speak most clearly, in his life, death and resurrection.
Today, take some time to listen to God’s voice. Find a quiet spot, with few distractions, and sit with a bible open. Pray that the Lord would show you something that would help you know Jesus more dearly. And trust that, if your faith is in Jesus, the Lord is with you and will speak to you.
Rejoice!
Written by Pete Bell
A thought to remember: Emmanuel still speaks through his Word.
A bit more to read: Exodus 3
A question to ask: When can you set aside some time today to listen to God’s voice?
A song to sing: O Come All Ye Faithful