Biblical Date: 1446BC
As Moses shepherded Reuel’s flock near the Mountain of Horeb, he was drawn to the sight of an “Angel of God” in the form of a burning bush but the bush was not being consumed! (Exodus 3:2)
When Moses moved closer to see the phenomena a voice rang out, “Moses, Moses!” He replied, “Here I am”. God said, “Do not approach any closer! Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground”. A fearful Moses hid his face, knowing his unworthiness and sinfulness to stand in front of God. (Exodus 3:4-5)
God then said to Moses, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt… I have also seen how severely the Egyptians oppress them… I will send you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt”. (Exodus 3:7, 9-10)
Moses was a very reluctant servant. His trust in God was weak, he was fearful that he would not succeed and selfishly, saw himself as being left with the consequences.
Many questions followed as Moses asked God:
- Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh – a weak man and a fugitive from Egypt?
God’s Answer: The power of God will be with you. - What shall I say to the Hebrews when they ask me your name – all Egyptian Gods had names?
God’s Answer: My name is “I AM WHO I AM”. - What about my poor public speaking?
God’s Answer: Take Aaron your brother as a helper and spokesman - Why me? Send someone else!
God’s Answer: He would teach him and He would remain with him. - What if (the Hebrews) don’t believe me?
God’s Answer: He would give him the power of miracles and told him to throw his staff on the ground. Immediately, it turned into a snake. When Moses caught the snake by the tail, it returned to a staff! God then told Moses to put his hand inside his robe and withdraw it. When he did, it was infested with leprosy. After reinserting it under his robe and removing it again, the leprosy had gone! (Exodus 3:1-22)
Thought
Why are we slow to accept that God works through us?
Reflection (Serenity Prayer)
Lord God, grant me the grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, Courage to change the things which should be changed, and the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other. Amen
Prayer: Christian Unity (John Henry Newman)
O Lord Jesus Christ,
when you were about to suffer,
you prayed for your disciples that they might all be one,
as you are in the Father,
and the Father in you.
Look down in pity on the many divisions
among those who profess your faith.
Heal the wounds which the pride of man
and the craft of Satan have inflicted on your people.
Break down the walls of separation which divide Christians.
Look with compassion on all souls and bring them together
under the Holy Catholic Church.
Top Questions:
Did anyone other than Moses witness the Burning Bush?
No. The Burning Bush event was a meeting of two, God and Moses.
Is there a scientific explanation for the Burning Bush?
Some have suggested natural events associated with volcanic activity, lighting, ground gas, oil-based trees… etc. However, none can explain why the tree wasn’t consumed by the flames.
What is the symbolism of the Burning Bush?
The burning bush, light and power, was the divine manifestation of God’s presence.
God said His name was, “I AM Who I AM”. What did Jesus say of His name?
Jesus said I AM:
…the Bread of Life (John 6:35) …the Light of the World (John 8:12) …the Gate for the Sheep (John 10:7) …the Good Shepherd (John 10:11) …the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25) …the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6) …the True Vine (John 15:1)
A direct way to understand God’s “I AM” response to Moses is to treat it as a description of Himself, the all-powerful.
