While Moses was tending the sheep of his father-in-law, Jethro, he witnessed an unexpected and beautiful sight. As he came to Horeb, the mountain of God, Moses could make out a fire in the distance. This flame burned all around and upon a certain bush. The fire was bright and intense, and yet the bush was not consumed. As Moses ventured closer, we might imagine his mouth hanging open. How could the plant remain alive, green, and unharmed while it is on fire? The words Moses said to himself were, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn” (Exo 3:3).
The act of turning aside may seem to us to be a small thing. However, God was getting Moses’ attention for an important task. Consider how it was only after God had seen that Moses turned aside to look that He called to him (Exo 3:4). As with many scenes in the Bible, the miraculous event grabs attention and prepares people to receive information which has a Divine stamp of approval. When men of Galilee spoke in languages they hadn’t studied, the crowds in Jerusalem were primed to listen (Acts 2:7-12). When a man of God worked wonders in Samaria, a pretender was converted to the faith (Acts 8:9-13). When the power of God blinded an enemy of righteousness, a proconsul in Cyprus gladly believed the message of Paul’s preaching (Acts 13:8-12). Truly our God does marvelous things (Psa 98:1)!
Moses initially resisted, but God continued to provide signs to encourage, empower, and motivate him. Moses, by the power of God, threw down his staff and took up a serpent (Exo 4:1-5). He watched the dreaded disease of leprosy switched on and off again on his own hand (Exo 4:6-7). He received the promise of many more signs and the promise of a spokesman to assist him (Exo 4:8-17). How could Moses refuse at that point?
Today we have the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus to grab our attention. God confirmed the identity and teaching of Jesus through many signs and miracles (John 20:30-31; Acts 2:22-24). The resurrection is the greatest of these proofs. God has set His Son apart as the Exalted Savior (Acts 4:12; Php 2:9-10). He gives eternal life to those who believe and obey Him (Mark 16:15-16; Heb 5:9). Just as it was with Moses, we have an important task. We must faithfully live for God – praising Him, evangelizing the lost, edifying the body, and caring for those in need. Are we doing all these things?
Today God continues to aid with the work set before us. We are encouraged, empowered, and motivated through all His many blessings. He has offered continual cleansing and forgiveness for His faithful (Eph 1:7; 1 Jn 1:7). He has given us the confirmed word of truth and all that pertains to life and godliness (1 Thess 2:13; 2 Pet 1:3). He has provided each of us the love and support of Christian family (1 Cor 12:26; Eph 4:16). How could we refuse at this point? Let’s all be diligent and zealous servants of God today!
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