GREAT STORIES OF THE BIBLE PART 12 MOSES AND THE BURNING BUSH

GREAT STORIES OF THE BIBLE

PART 12

MOSES AND THE BURNING BUSH

Exodus 2:23–4:17

“God Saw… God Heard… God Knew.”

In Exodus 2:23-25, we read a powerful turning point in the story of God's people:

"After a long time, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned because of their difficult labor, and they cried out. Their cry for help because of their difficult labor ascended to God. God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God saw the Israelites, and God knew."

These verses set the stage for one of the greatest callings in all of Scripture—God’s call to Moses to be the deliverer of Israel.

A CALLING BY FAITH

Moses’ story, as recorded in Exodus 2:23 – 4:17, is more than just ancient history—it is a template for how God still calls His people today. Hebrews 11 reminds us that Moses acted “by faith,” not by his own ability or strength. Likewise, as a church or as individuals, we must walk by faith, not by sight.

When last we saw Moses, he had fled Egypt and found himself in Midian, far from the power and privilege of Pharaoh’s household. There, he married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro (also called Reuel, which means “friend of God”) and took up the humble task of shepherding his father-in-law’s flock.

Then came the bush…

GOD IS THE ONE WHO CALLS – EXODUS 3

Out in the wilderness, Moses encountered a strange sight: a bush that burned with fire but was not consumed. From the midst of that bush, the angel of the Lord appeared, and God Himself called to Moses:

“Moses, Moses!”

“Here I am.”

“Do not come any closer. Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” (Ex. 3:4-5)

This encounter teaches us several things:

When God calls, you’ll know it. It grabs your attention. It feels sacred.

God’s call leaves no room for pride. Moses hid his face in fear (v.6).

God is already at work. He has seen the suffering of His people. He has a plan. And He invites Moses—and us—to be part of it.

“Now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” (Ex. 3:10)

God didn’t need Moses’ advice or power. He already had the plan. He was simply inviting Moses to trust Him.

STOP MAKING EXCUSES

Yet Moses, like many of us, tried to wiggle out of God’s calling with a series of excuses:

“Who am I?” (3:11)

God’s answer: “I will be with you.” (3:12)

“What should I say?” (3:13)

God’s answer: “I AM WHO I AM.” (3:14)

“What if they don’t believe me?” (4:1)

God’s answer: “What is that in your hand?” (4:2)

God uses what we already have and transforms it.

“I’m not a good speaker.” (4:10)

God’s answer: “Who made your mouth?” (4:11)

“Please send someone else.” (4:13)

God’s answer: “I will help you... and your brother Aaron will help too.” (4:15)

God’s grace and persistence shine through. Even when we’re hesitant, fearful, or resistant, He doesn’t give up. He continues to invite us into His work—and even works through our weakness.

GOD’S PURPOSE IN CALLING

Miraculous signs were never the point—they were answers to Moses’ doubts. God’s real intent was to deliver His people and reveal His faithfulness. He saw their oppression, heard their cries, and acted to save.

Today, God’s purposes haven’t changed. He still sees. He still hears. He still calls.

And just like Moses, we are called—not because we’re capable—but because God is.

#GreatStoriesOfTheBible #MosesAndTheBurningBush #FaithNotFear #GodCalls #Exodus #Deliverance #BiblicalFaith #StopMakingExcuses #GodIsAble #CalledByGod #TrustGodsPlan