God reveals himself to Moses (1)

Tuesday February 15, 2022

God reveals himself to Moses (1)

The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire in the middle of a bush. Moses looked and saw that the bush was all on fire without being consumed. Exodus 3:2

Moses said to God : Who am I to go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt ? God said to him : I will be with you. Exodus 3:11,12

This chapter of Exodus recounts God's unexpected encounter with Moses who was leading a flock in search of pasture in the desert.

It all starts with the impressive appearance of a flame of fire in a bush that does not burn. Fire frequently symbolizes the presence of the Eternal who delivers, enlightens, purifies or consumes. We understand the curiosity of Moses and why God challenges him : Do not come near here... for the place where you are standing is holy ground (Exodus 3:5). Moses is afraid of the very presence of God ; he hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God (Exodus 3:6).

God reassures his servant, he reminds him of the relationship he had with his fathers : I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. The patriarchs lived with him and trusted him ; they also had revelations and they were not consumed.

Then Moses wonders about his ability to assume the service that God asks of him. So God reassures him : he is the God of history ; he pursues a goal. He accompanied the patriarchs, he made them promises and fulfilled them. He will also be with Moses to lead the people out of Egypt and accompany them to the promised land. This is a great encouragement for this servant, stunned by such a revelation.

We Christians have more than a burning bush and faith fathers to be assured of God's presence and help in deliverance. We know the One who said that out of darkness shines light..., he caused his light to shine in our hearts to shine forth the knowledge of the glory of God in the person of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6). To make himself known, to deliver us from the slavery of Satan and to bring us into his presence, God revealed himself, not by a vision, but in his Son whom he sent to earth.

Source (Pleasing the Lord)