The Call of Moses

Exodus 3. Today we read of Moses' call to deliver Israel. God was at work to prepare His servant for a great ministry of deliverance. Note:

1. What Moses Saw: 3:1-3.

As Moses looked, a common desert thorn bush was on fire yet was not consumed. The prickly bush pictures the sinful enslaved Israelites, since thorns are the result of the curse of sin (Gen.3:17-18). The fire symbolizes their suffering and tribulation, yet the bush not being consumed shows that all the persecutions visited upon them would not annihilate them. This burning bush also says something of Moses. God can take an insignificant bush, ignite it, and turn it into a miracle. That's what He wanted to do with Moses, and that's what He wants to do with you.

2. What Moses Heard: 3:4-10.

Moses vision was followed by his call. The One who called him revealed Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God also revealed His mission and purpose. The LORD said that He had seen the oppression of His people, heard their cry, and was going to come down to deliver them. (Exodus 3:7-8). That's God's promise to you. Regardless of what you are going through right now, be assured that God sees, hears and will come to deliver you from your tribulation.

3. What Moses Did: 3:11-4:17.

Moses should have rejoiced because God was at last answering prayer. He should have submitted to God's will by saying, "Here I am! Send me!" But instead he argued with God and proposed many excuses and objections. His first objection was...

• Insignificance: "who am I?" (Exodus 3:11). God's response: (Exodus 3:12). God promised to be with him and promises to be with us.
• No Authority: Moses' second objection was that he had no authority (Exodus 3:13). God's answer was "I AM WHO I AM...thus you shall say to the children of Israel, I AM has sent you..." (Exodus 3:14). Jesus sends us out under His authority. See Matt.28:18-20. We'll note two more objections tomorrow.