EHP Day 20-Meeting the Burning Bush God Part 3
Exodus 3:6-8, 10-12
And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. Then the LORD said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land….
Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”
Those who meet with God regularly soon realize that such encounters are usually for more than just hanging out. Isn’t that what the disciples discovered during days with God’s Son? Sure, there were times Jesus said, “Come aside and rest” (Mark 6:31). But, quite often, time with Jesus meant yet another opportunity to both recharge and gain clarity about the challenge ahead, offering enslaved-to-sin people forgiveness with an invitation into the kingdom.
Moses sensed God’s fearful greatness even as the I AM uttered His identity. The words were also reassuring; this God had not forgotten his covenant with the Fathers. It was time to deliver from bondage and envision a future. God’s plan required a commissioned spokesman—one going, speaking, delivering—accompanied by the presence of God. Six words made all the difference: “But I will be with you.” To be sure, Moses struggled to say “yes,” but God would not give him a pass. “I have come down to deliver,” the Lord said, “I’m sending you.”
“Who will go for us?” asks God lifted-up. “Here am I,” Isaiah offers. “Send me.”
Journal Notes