God Simplified

Category: Devotional

Devotionals are anything done in devotion to God. This contains prayers, insights,verse(s) with a story, reading or reflection.

  • The Power of Yielding: Lessons from Moses and the Burning Bush

    Yesterday, we looked at Moses’ self-directed attempt to rescue a Hebrew man from the cruelty of an Egyptian taskmaster. Today, we’ll see what God can do in the life of someone who fully yields to Him. When we choose to yield to the Lord’s ways He’ll do amazing things in and through us. Despite Moses’ failures (discussed yesterday), he was still used to fulfill God’s purpose. This happened, only after he became usable—that is, humble and broken of his self-will. Exodus 3:1-22 describes the crucial event of Moses’ meeting with God at the burning bush. This passage is a turning point in the story. It marks the start of God’s plan to free the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt. It also establishes Moses as the leader of this “exodus” to freedom. There are three key elements in this passage

    The Encounter with the Burning Bush

    • Moses was watching over his father-in-law, Jethro’s, flock of sheep on Mt. Horeb, also known as Mt. Sinai (v1) (Remember from yesterday, Moses fled to the wilderness out of the fear of Pharaoh. This was after he had killed the taskmaster and hid his body in the sand).
    • The Angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in a burning bush. The bush was not consumed by the flame (v2). This was a visual show of the Lord’s presence. It emphasizes His power and holiness.
    • Moses’ response was one of confusion. As Moses turns to get a better look at it, the Lord’s voice calls to him from the bush. He tells Moses to “not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground” (Exodus 3:5)(NKJV).Moses responds with fear and humility by removing his sandals and hiding his face. He was afraid to look upon God (v6).
    • The burning bush scenario indicates God’s active participation in human activities and His calling of individuals to fulfill His purposes.

    God’s Divine Reveal and Mandate (official order or commission to do something)

    • God identified Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (v15). This statement reinforces His commitment to the promise he made to the patriarchs (male heads of the families). This promise was part of the covenant he made to give their descendants the land of Canaan.
    • God tells Moses that He knows about the anguish and suffering of the Israelites in Egypt. He aches for them (v9). This emphasizes God’s empathy and concern for His people Israel.
    • God instructs Moses to go to Pharaoh. He says, “That you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt” (Exodus 3:10)(NKJV).
    • Moses conveys feelings of inferiority and inadequacy. He questions his ability to lead the people as God tells him to (v11). God assures Moses that He will be with him (v12). God also promises Moses the ability to execute wonders before Pharaoh.
    • Moses asks God what name shall he tell the Israelites, as they will ask “What is His name?” (V13). God reveals himself as ”I AM WHO I AM” (v14). This disclosure speaks of God’s eternal nature, self-sufficiency and unchanging character. This passage shows crucial elements of God’s character, including His holiness, faithfulness, compassion and power.

    God’s Plan and Promise to the Israelites

    • God reviews His plan to bring the Israelites out of. Egypt “…up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of…, to a land flowing with milk and honey.” (V17).
    • God declares that He “will stretch out (His) hand and strike Egypt with all My wonders…and after that he will let you go.” (V20).
    • God pledges that the Israelites “shall not go empty-handed.” (V21) but “shall plunder the Egyptians.” (V22). This is heavenly justice and compensation for all they had been through.

    God showed what He can do through the yielding of just one man. He freed an estimated 2 million people, without the loss of one Hebrew life. To be used by God, it is important to have knowledge of Him. You need to understand His commitment to His promises. Realize that His silence does not mean disinterest during times of suffering. Our past failures never stop God’s readiness or ability to use us. Actually, our weakness is an opportune time for God to show His power (2 Corinthians 12:9). We are unsuccessful in our own strength. When we surrender to God’s authority in our lives, we can have victory in whatever He calls us to do. In essence, Exodus 3:1-22 is a primary passage. It explains God’s direct involvement in human history and His revelation of Himself (I AM) to Moses. It marks the beginning of His redemptive plan for the salvation of the Israelites and eventually all of humanity.