Moses and the burning bush
Exodus chapters 3:1 - 4:16
As you read through these two chapters, make a note of the varying reactions that Moses has in his encounter with God.
Can you recall how Jacob (see Genesis 32:22-31) and Elijah (1 Kings 19) reacted when they encountered with God?
- How do you think you would react if you had a similar encounter as Moses had with God?
We may not experience such dramatic encounters with God, but there may have been occasions when you sensed that God was especially close. Reflect on this.
- What convinced you that God was close to you?
- What effect did it have on you?
- How did you react?
Like Moses, there will have been times you have sensed God speaking to you, perhaps calling you to action.
- What were the circumstances?
- What convinced you that God was speaking to you?
- What excuses do we come up with to avoid responding to God?
- Have there been occasions when you argued with God?
In chapter 3 verse 2, our translations describe an ‘angel of the Lord’. The Hebrew word malak and (in the New Testament) the Greek word angelos mean ‘messenger’. However, these words are often translated as ‘angel’ depending on the context – a messenger of God will be translated as ‘angel’, a messenger from (for example) the king would be translated as ‘messenger’. In our culture we picture someone dressed in white robes with wings.
Consider people who have brought you a message from God and think of them as ‘angels’ you have met.
- Who has been an angel to you?
- What influence have they had on your life?
- How did you know that their message came from God?
- How did you respond?