Our Scripture reading today, for the Third Sunday of Lent, tells the account of when the Lord commissioned Moses into His service, to, next to the Apostle Paul, one of the greatest callings recorded in the Bible. What was Moses’ response? Did he eagerly jump into the calling that the Lord gives him, or did he shy away? And as we look into our Scripture, let us consider whether we are open to the Lord’s calling of ourselves into His service, whatever that may be for us. He has something for each of us to do for His Kingdom, most not as spectacular as Moses or Paul, but an assignment He calls us to do. Are we alert and eager to hear Him?
Moses, who had grown up the pampered adopted son of a Pharaoh’s daughter, had to flee the country. Now, many years later, he was a humble shepherd in Midian, caring for his father-in-law’s sheep. As our Scripture passage opens, Moses was caring for the sheep near Mt. Horeb (also known as Sinai), and he observed a bush that is on fire (vs. 1-3). As he observed this, Moses noticed that the bush didn't burn up. This was a miraculous event. After having been a shepherd for 40 years, if this was anything natural, he would not have taken any special notice. But Moses did, as it had attracted his notice and curiosity.
As Moses came closer, the Lord God called to him from the burning bush (vs. 4-6). He told Moses to remove his sandals, as this was holy ground. God was present there, thus the place was sacred and holy. Wherever God is, that place is holy. And it is holy only as long as God is there. At God’s command, Moses removed his sandals and covered his face. Taking off his shoes was an act of reverence, conveying his own unworthiness before God. God is our friend, but He is also our sovereign Lord. To approach Him frivolously shows a lack of respect and sincerity.
The Lord proceeded to tell Moses that He was fully aware of the oppression that His people were going through in Egypt, and that He had plans to deliver them from their slavery (vs. 7-10). He told Moses that He wanted him to go back into Egypt as His spokesman before Pharaoh, and lead the people out. God knows what His children are going through. He is not an oblivious and uncaring God. He knew then, and He knows now what each and every one of us are going through. God hears our cries, and sees our troubles. In His sovereign way, He moves to deliver us from our oppressors, but He does His work in His time, not ours.
When Moses heard this statement from the Lord God, he immediately answered that he couldn’t do that. Who was he to go to Pharaoh and demand the release of the slaves? He told God he couldn’t do it (vs. 11). Moses felt inadequate and alone. Yet God reassured him that He would be with him, and would give him all the strength, wisdom, and power to do what He asked (vs. 12). Moses didn’t need to worry, as God would be with him every step of the way.
Has God called you to do a work for Him, but you don’t feel adequate? Perhaps the task seems way too big for us to do, and we don't know what to do. We are qualified to do God’s work, not because of our own ability, but because God is with us. We never have to do God’s work in our own strength, and He won’t ask us to do anything that He will not enable us to carry out. God will equip us to do whatever He asks.
When asked what His Name was, God responded by saying “I AM WHO I AM” (vs. 14). I AM - a Name describing God’s eternal power and unchangeable character. We can find stability and security in our unchangeable God. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). This Name for God points to His self-existence and eternality. He is the same God throughout the ages. He will always be who He has always been. He will forever be who He is now. He never changes. When Jesus spoke in John 8:58, He called Himself by the Name I AM, declaring that He, indeed, is God.
In closing we need to ask ourselves whether we are paying attention to the “burning bushes” God is setting before us? Are we willing to step up to the task He has for us to do? Even if it seems daunting to us now, we can be reassured that just as God was with Moses, He will be with us. It didn’t matter who Moses was, or whether or not he had ability. It matters who God is. He is not a little “g” god. He is the Great I AM!
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