MOSES AT THE BURNING BUSH
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Exodus 3:1-12
"Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God. And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey... Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt." (Exodus 3:1-10, KJV)
Key Verse: "And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I." (Exodus 3:4)
Supporting Texts: Exodus 4:1-17; Acts 7:30-36; Hebrews 11:24-27; Isaiah 6:8; Jeremiah 1:4-10; John 10:27.
Description: A genuine encounter with God awakens divine purpose, imparts holy boldness, and commissions believers for Kingdom service.
INTRODUCTION
God often reveals Himself in unexpected ways and at unexpected times. Moses was not praying on a mountain or serving in the palace when God appeared to him. He was faithfully tending sheep in the wilderness after spending forty years in obscurity. Yet it was there that God chose to reveal Himself through a bush that burned without being consumed.
The encounter at the burning bush marked the turning point in Moses' life. He had once attempted to deliver Israel through his own strength and failed miserably. However, after years of humility and preparation, God called him to accomplish the same assignment through divine power rather than human ability.
Every believer needs a burning bush encounter. It is in God's presence that purpose is clarified, fear is overcome, excuses are removed, and ordinary people become instruments for extraordinary works. God is still calling men and women today to fulfil His divine assignment.
1. GOD REVEALS HIMSELF TO THOSE WHO SEEK HIM
Divine encounters begin when God reveals Himself to receptive hearts. Those who desire to know Him must be willing to recognise His voice and respond to His invitation.
a) God Often Speaks In Unexpected Ways (Exodus 3:2)
The burning bush was unlike anything Moses had ever seen. God may use unusual circumstances to capture our attention and communicate His will.
b) Spiritual Curiosity Leads To Divine Revelation (Exodus 3:3-4)
Moses turned aside to investigate the burning bush. Those who intentionally seek God position themselves to receive greater revelation.
c) God Calls His People Personally (Exodus 3:4)
The Lord called Moses by name, showing that His relationship with His children is personal and intimate.
d) God Still Speaks Today (John 10:27)
Jesus declared that His sheep hear His voice. Believers must cultivate spiritual sensitivity to recognise His guidance.
Biblical Example: Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1-10). As a young boy, Samuel heard God's voice and responded, "Speak; for thy servant heareth," beginning a lifetime of prophetic ministry.
2. DIVINE ENCOUNTERS REQUIRE REVERENCE AND HOLINESS
God is loving and merciful, yet He is also holy. Every genuine encounter with Him produces reverence, humility, and a desire for holy living.
a) Recognise God's Holiness (Exodus 3:5)
God instructed Moses to remove his sandals because he was standing on holy ground. God's presence demands honour and reverence.
b) Approach God With Humility (James 4:10)
Pride prevents intimacy with God, but humility opens the door to deeper fellowship.
c) Separate Yourself From Sin (1 Peter 1:15-16)
God calls His people to reflect His holiness in every aspect of their lives.
d) Worship God With Awe (Hebrews 12:28-29)
True worship flows from hearts that recognise God's majesty, greatness, and holiness.
Biblical Example: Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-8). When Isaiah encountered God's holiness, he acknowledged his uncleanness before receiving cleansing and commissioning.
3. GOD CALLS ORDINARY PEOPLE FOR EXTRAORDINARY ASSIGNMENTS
God does not choose people because they are naturally qualified. He qualifies those whom He calls by equipping them with His grace and power.
a) God Sees Potential Beyond Your Past (Exodus 3:10)
Although Moses considered himself a failure, God saw him as Israel's deliverer.
b) Do Not Allow Fear To Limit You (Exodus 4:10-12)
Moses feared his inability to speak, but God promised to be with his mouth and teach him what to say.
c) God Provides Everything Needed For The Assignment (Philippians 4:19)
When God gives an assignment, He also supplies the wisdom, strength, and resources required to accomplish it.
d) Obedience Releases God's Power (Luke 5:5)
God's miraculous power becomes evident when His people obey His instructions, even when they seem difficult.
Biblical Example: Gideon (Judges 6:11-16). Though he saw himself as weak, God called him a mighty man of valour and used him to deliver Israel.
4. A DIVINE ENCOUNTER COMMISSIONS YOU FOR SERVICE
Every authentic encounter with God carries a divine assignment. God reveals Himself not merely for our blessing but to make us instruments of His purpose.
a) God Sends Those He Calls (Exodus 3:10)
God's encounters always lead to responsibility. Moses was sent to confront Pharaoh and deliver Israel.
b) Depend Upon God's Presence (Exodus 3:12)
The greatest assurance God gave Moses was not military strength but His promise: "Certainly I will be with thee."
c) Become A Deliverer To Others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
Those who have experienced God's grace are called to bring hope, encouragement, and freedom to others.
d) Remain Faithful To The End (1 Corinthians 4:2)
God requires faithfulness from those He entrusts with His work. Lasting impact comes through consistent obedience.
Biblical Example: The Apostles (Matthew 28:18-20). After encountering the risen Christ, they were commissioned to preach the Gospel to all nations, transforming the world through the power of the Holy Spirit.
CONCLUSION
Moses' encounter at the burning bush teaches us that God delights in revealing Himself to ordinary people who are willing to listen, obey, and surrender completely to Him. One encounter with God's presence transformed a shepherd into one of the greatest leaders in biblical history. His fears were replaced with faith, his excuses with obedience, and his weakness with divine strength.
God is still calling His people today. He desires to reveal His holiness, awaken purpose, and send believers into the world as ambassadors of His Kingdom. If you respond to His voice with humility and faith, your life will become a powerful testimony of His grace, and you will fulfil the destiny He has prepared for you.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, grant me a genuine encounter with Your presence that will transform my life, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, open my ears to hear Your voice clearly every day, in Jesus name.
3. Father, remove every fear and insecurity that hinders me from fulfilling my calling, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, sanctify my heart and help me to walk in holiness before You, in Jesus name.
5. Father, reveal Your purpose for my life with clarity and direction, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, empower me with the grace and wisdom to accomplish every assignment You have given me, in Jesus name.
7. Father, let Your presence continually go with me wherever I go, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, make me a vessel through whom many lives shall experience deliverance and salvation, in Jesus name.
9. Father, give me the courage to obey You without hesitation, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, let my life continually reflect the power of a genuine encounter with You, in Jesus name.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. You shall hear the voice of God with greater clarity, and you shall not miss His direction for your life.
2. Every fear that has limited your destiny shall be destroyed by the power of the Holy Spirit.
3. The Lord shall reveal His purpose for your life and equip you to fulfil it successfully.
4. You shall walk in the holiness and favour of God all the days of your life.
5. Every excuse preventing you from answering God's call shall disappear by His grace.
6. The presence of God shall distinguish you wherever you go and grant you unusual success.
7. You shall become an instrument of deliverance, encouragement, and blessing to your generation.
8. The Lord shall empower you with wisdom, courage, and divine ability beyond your natural capacity.
9. Your encounter with God shall produce lasting transformation that will be evident to everyone around you.
10. From this day forward, you shall fulfil your divine assignment with boldness, excellence, and supernatural grace, in the mighty name of Jesus.
