Moses and the Burning Bush

Exodus 3:14:17

God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. Exodus 3:4

As Moses was tending the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law and the priest of Midian, he led the flock to the mountain of God. When Moses reached the mountain, an angel appeared to him "in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush ... and the bush was not consumed" (Exodus 3:2; see also Exodus 3:1). As he watched this miraculous sight, he heard a voice, which was the voice of God, calling "Moses, Moses" from the bush. Moses said, "Here am I." God told Moses to move back and take his shoes off because he was standing on holy ground. When God identified Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, "Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God" (Exodus 3:6; see also Exodus 3:45).

Moses learned that God was aware of the children of Israel and their bondage to the Egyptian rulers. God told Moses to tell Pharaoh to release the children of Israel. Moses said, "Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh?" But God assured Moses that He would be with him. (See Exodus 3:712.) Moses was then concerned about what he should say to the children of Israel. God told him to say that I AM, the Lord God, had sent him unto them. (See Exodus 3:1314.) Moses' next concern was that the people would not believe him. The Lord asked Moses what he had in his hand, and Moses replied that he had a rod. Moses was told to cast it on the ground; it became a serpent and Moses fled. But the Lord told Moses to pick up the serpent, and it became a rod again. (See Exodus 4:14.)

The Lord gave Moses more signs from the burning bush (see Exodus 4:69), but Moses was still reluctant to perform the mission God had called him to do. He complained of being slow of speech, but God promised to help Moses with his speech (see Exodus 4:1012). When Moses continued to complain and ask for help, God finally became angry with his excuses. God told Moses he could take his brother, Aaron, for a spokesman. (See Exodus 4:1416.) Before Moses left the mountain, the Lord told him to take the rod and use it to make signs (see Exodus 4:17).

Summary

While tending his father-in-law's flock, Moses came to the mountain of God. There he saw a bush that was burning but not being destroyed by the flames. God called Moses by name from the burning bush. He told Moses to remove his shoes, for he was standing on holy ground. The Lord said that He knew of the troubles of His people, and He told Moses to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. Moses did not think he could do this. He was concerned that the people would not believe him and said that he was slow of speech. However, the Lord promised to be with him and to give him power. He said that Moses could take his brother, Aaron, to speak for him.

Artist, Jerry Thompson

© 2002 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA

My Word: Moses has now been away from Egypt for about 40 years (see Acts 7:30 in the New Testament) when he received his call to go back and lead the people out of Egypt. I love pondering about 'holy ground'. What makes something holy? Is it holy if I'm the only one who thinks it is? ASSIGNMENT: Look up Homes, Abode, Temple, House in the Topical Guide ... read some references in the different topics. Write down what you learn about 'holy places'.

This is an oft repeated quote from President David O. McKay. "No other success can compensate for failure in the home. The poorest shack in which love prevails over a united family is of greater value to God and future humanity than any other riches. In such a home God can work miracles and will work miracles."

This is an oft repeated quote by me. "Everything I need to learn I learned at home."

There are some places made holy by sacred priesthood authority. Other places become sacred as we adhere to the commandments of our God. Where do you "take off thy shoes"?