Listen to the Bush
Exodus 3:1-12
We have been told that we are living in the “Information Age”. For those born before 1950, news and information were received by radio, the printed page, and word of mouth. Then, along came television which progressively flooded our homes, and our lives, with an increasing deluge of sights and sounds, talk and thoughts, pictures and propaganda.
Further, near the end of the 20th Century, cell phones and the internet began stalking us wherever we went, demanding our attention and occupying our time.
Sure, much of the available information offered through these electronic channels is worthwhile and informative. Consequently, much of what we see and hear is also misleading, erroneous and detrimental. But, for the majority of people, it has become what we once knew as the “grapevine”.
So, may I suggest that, at least in some measure, we consider this: “No, to the Grapevine; Yes, to the Bush”. Please let me explain.
Moses is certainly one of the most familiar figures appearing in the Old Testament. He was born around 1500 BC in Egypt to parents who lived as slaves. They were descendants of Jacob, grandson of Abraham, who had arrived in Egypt about 1875 BC. You probably remember that story.
When Moses was 40 years old, he was forced to flee to the desert region of Midian (a portion of the Sinai Peninsula and Saudi Arabia today). While there, he found work as a shepherd for a man named Jethro. Jethro later became Moses’ father-in-law. As he led his flock throughout the wilderness to find pasture, Moses travelled about the Sinai Peninsula for nearly 40 years. During those years as a shepherd, Moses surely became quite familiar with that area, the climate and vegetation. On one occasion, he found himself and his flock near the foot of Mt. Horeb/Mt. Sinai (Exodus 3:1).
As the sheep grazed, Moses spent many hours carefully looking about for predators and any activity which might bring harm to the flock. Likewise, he had much time to reflect on his own life and ponder what his future might hold. Would he remain a shepherd, perhaps inheriting Jethro’s holdings and live out his days in Midian? The prospect of returning to Egypt (where he was considered a fugitive) were very slim. The land of his people, the Israelites, had been settled by Canaanites who had immigrated from other areas of the Middle East and beyond. So that seem to offer no viable solution.
Day after day, month after month, year after year found Moses seeking some direction for his life. Was he here for some purpose? If so, how could he find it? From whence might the answer come?
Now, for some of us who are farther along the path of life, this may not be a relevant concern. But, even for us, it might not be too late. Certainly, for those who have years ahead, it is worth thinking about. Sometimes, we may need some answers concerning God’s purpose for us this month, or in this situation, or in this relationship. In any case, may I suggest that, as Moses did, we turn and “listen to the bush” rather than the grapevine.
Returning to that scene in the Arabian desert, we perceive that God has brought Moses to a special Place. While it was a place of loneliness, it was also a place of quietness. The absence of activity and the scarcity of sounds made it a place in which one could direct his eyes and ears on the immediate surroundings. Even his inner consciousness could unite itself with the setting before him. Thus, it was as Moses sat with his flock in that Place at the foot of that mountain.
At some point, Moses observed a bush burning nearby. This was not an extremely unusual occurrence; it had been known to happen quite often during the dry season and hot weather. Moses would certainly have known that. However, he also noticed that the bush was not consumed by the blaze. So, he turned his attention to this “great sight, why the bush did not burn” (Exodus 3:3).
As he gazed at the burning bush in amazement, the Lord took notice and called, “Moses, Moses!” (vs. 4). It is difficult to tell from the text, but there may have been a time of silent awe before Moses responded, “Here I am”. It was now clear that this Place was more than a spot on the map. It was also a celestial place to which he had been led, a place which had been prepared. It was a place in the desert, but also a place in his life to meet with God. That became evident as the Lord spoke, “Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground” (vs. 5).
Yes, Moses had been brought to this Place to hear from this Person. “I am the God of your father – the God of Abraham, the God of Issac, and the God of Jacob (vs. 6). In reverential fear and awe, Moses hid his face. He had heard the stories of those great Patriarchs and the miraculous works of God from Creation to the Covenants. He was aware that his people had been chosen by God for something very special as history would unfold. Now, to his astonishment, that Person who had spoken in times past, was speaking to him – to Moses – to reveal a portion of that special Purpose for which He had chosen them.
“I have come down to deliver them (My people) out of the hand of the Egyptians, and bring them up from that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey …“(vs. 8). That was surely good news to Moses’ ears, for he knew that the Israelites had been praying to the Lord for deliverance for a long, long while. However, the following words from God must have added even more surprise to this aging shepherd.
Could this be a dream? Am I really hearing this? And the words from the bush continued, “Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt” (vs. 10). Not only did God intend to liberate the people from their bondage in Egypt, but His Purpose included that Moses would be their leader!
By this time, Moses must have been shocked beyond measure. He then gathered himself somewhat and uttered his first response, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (vs. 11). As mentioned earlier, he had been forced to flee after slaying an Egyptian taskmaster. Furthermore, he had drawn the anger of his people because their burdens had been multiplied by Pharaoh in retaliation. So, Moses surely would not be welcomed back in Egypt. Therefore, he said, “Who am I?”.
Once again, the voice came from the bush; this time with a Promise, “I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain” (vs. 12). You will recall that sometime later on that mountain, Mt. Sinai, Moses received the Ten Commandments.
Those words, that Promise, were enough for Moses to accept God’s call. His amazement, his astonishment, and his surprise were all relieved when he heard God say, “I will certainly be with you”.
Many of us have reached times in our lives when we are faced with perplexing questions. We have known that we must make decisions and that we must move forward. Some of those may involve short-term matters and others may reach out for many years. What shall we do? How shall we know?
Obviously, none of us has all the answers, but may I humbly suggest that we consider this story in Moses’ life. By that I mean…
- That we find a Place with no distractions where our minds can be free to put aside the guilt of past sins and the pride of past successes.
- That we watch for that signal of God’s presence and listen for the still, small voice of the Person who created us, loves us and cares deeply for us.
- That we remember that each of us has been created for the Purpose of glorifying God and how that purpose for each of us is very important to Him.
- That when we hear that voice – even within the depths of our soul – we do not need to be afraid. When He reveals His purpose, He will likely give us a Promise that will remove our fears and doubts – “I will be with you”.
Sometimes, the voice from the bush may come as we pray. It may come, at other times, when we read God’s Word and contemplate the truths therein. Then again, that voice may come through ordinary circumstances or conversations. Regardless, let us be ever mindful to “Listen to the Bush”.
To God be the glory. Great things He has done.
Fr. Andrew
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