One of the most iconic moments in the Old Testament is Moses’ encounter with the burning bush. This extraordinary event marked the beginning of Moses’ remarkable journey of faith. For 40 years, Moses, a former prince of Egypt, had been living in exile in Midian, tending his father-in-law’s flocks, unbeknownst that something unusual was about to happen to him. In this critical moment, his alignment with destiny would not only be an intimate connection between him and God but also engender an avenue through which God will use him as an instrument of deliverance for the Israelites who were subdued under the iron rule of Pharaoh in Egypt.
According to the Book of Exodus, his mother had to secretly hide him after Pharaoh’s tyrannical decree that all newborn Hebrew boys should be killed to decimate the population of the Israelites. Moses’ priestly undertaking, as ordained by God, to deliver the Israelites was the beginning of the fulfilment of a prophecy set for years and long overdue.
The Encounter
Exodus 1 – 4
The birth and early life of Moses.
But on this particular day, something miraculous happened. A bush, engulfed in flames yet remaining unburned, caught Moses’ attention. This surreal phenomenon left him wondering and drawn to the bush (Exodus 3:1-4:17). For an ordinary man, this looked impractical. How could such a nature-defying event happen? This was a miracle. Captivated by this extraordinary phenomenon, he felt compelled to investigate further.
Questions like this would have registered in his subconscious mind: “Am I sure I am still in the cosmos? Am I sure my eyes have not developed a kind of disease?” But then as he approached the burning bush, he was met with a surprise – a voice. The voice, which seemed to emanate from the bush, instructed Moses to return to Egypt, the very place he had fled from after he discovered he was an Israelite and had killed an Egyptian slave-master who was beating a fellow Israelite. Moses’ initial reaction was likely a mix of shock, fear, and uncertainty. Yet, as he listened to the voice, his faith began to stir, even though his eyes could not believe what he saw initially. Later on, his heart became one with the voice that called out from this burning bush. The voice he heard and his disposition to the same made the difference.
Thanks to God, his heart, emotions, and will went into action to take up the task that “I AM” was sending him despite his initial hesitation and perceived feelings of inadequacy as a stammerer. This trust in God and acceptance of the challenge posed to him demonstrate remarkable non-radical faith and obedience.
Also read: THE ABRAHAMIC LEGACY: A MEDITATION ON FAITH
The Challenge
But God’s call presented Moses with a daunting task. He was being asked to confront the most powerful and fearsome Pharaoh and lead a nation of sceptical and resistant people. However daunting, Moses yielded to this instruction with a trust in God that, come uncertainty, come danger, God would be his shield and buckler. Moses’ response to God’s call is a testament to his steadfast and resolute faith.
The Response
With a staff in hand and faith in his heart, Moses confronted Pharaoh, demanding the release of the Israelites. Pharaoh, strong-willed and obstinate, objected to this demand. But Moses will not back down. Through a series of devastating plagues, God’s mighty rage was unleashed on Egypt. From the transformation of Nile’s water into blood, the plague of locusts, gnats and flies, the affliction of boils, a hail of fire and ice, darkness and finally the death of every firstborn, a catastrophic sequence of events that eventually led to the Israelites’ freedom.
Out of Egypt he led the Israelites through the Red Sea and guided them through the wilderness where he received the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai, establishing an everlasting covenant between God and Israel.
Exodus 5 – 15
The plagues and Red Sea crossing.
From a stammerer to the unlikely hero of Isreal, Moses’ response to God’s call demonstrates an exploit of faith. In obeying God’s call, and trusting in His sovereignty and provision, Moses championed Israel’s expedition out of Egypt after 440 years of national slavery (Exodus 4:18-20). Despite his initial fears and supposed inadequacies, he obeyed God’s call. Despite the magnitude of uncertainty and danger he faced along the way, he trusted God’s promise. Despite the internal challenges and setbacks, he persevered in faith in God’s will. And, recognizing his limitations as a man, he depended on God’s sovereignty and provision to guide him and lead Israel out of captivity every step of the way.
Believers’ Response to Encounters
Moses’ faith in God offers valuable lessons for us today. Like Moses, we are called to step out in faith, trusting in God’s sovereignty and provision. Faith requires us to obey God’s call, even when it pushes us beyond our comfort zones. Perseverance is essential when faced with challenges and setbacks. And recognizing our limitations, we must depend on God’s sovereignty and provision to guide us through life’s journey.
The foundation of Christian faith is rooted in the Word of God. As Romans 10:17 aptly expresses, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” This fundamental principle emphasizes the importance of trusting in God’s character, promises, and provision. Our demonstration of faith as believers encapsulates obedience to God’s commands and surrendering our will to His divine regulation.
Faith is not just a mental exercise; it encompasses our hearts, emotions, and will. As Apostle Paul beautifully expressed in Philippians 4:7, “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” As we reflect on Moses’ encounter with the burning bush, may we be inspired to trust God and demonstrate remarkable faith and obedience in our own lives, just as Moses did.
