Moses & The Burning Bush
Text: Exodus 3:1–4:17
Series: The Strange Places We Meet God
Category One: In a Place of Need
Introduction
We begin a new topical series titled “The Strange Places We Meet God.” These stories highlight moments where God shows up in unexpected ways. The series is divided into three categories, each explored over four Sundays.
Our first category is “In a Place of Need.” The first story: Moses and the Burning Bush.
Let’s back up: Moses was born during a time when Hebrew babies were being killed. Through his mother’s ingenuity, he was saved and raised in Pharaoh’s household. Later, Moses kills an Egyptian and flees to the wilderness. He marries, starts a family, and becomes a shepherd for 40 years.
Then one day, everything changes…
1. Holy Ground (Exodus 3:5–6)
“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
This is a pivotal moment—Moses encounters a bush that burns but is not consumed. At Mt. Horeb (also known as Mt. Sinai), God appears and speaks.
Key Points:
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First time holiness is attributed to God.
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God tells Moses to stay back, highlighting His purity and our sinfulness.
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A theophany: God appearing visibly.
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Fire symbolizes God’s purity, glory, and majesty.
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Removing sandals shows reverence and humility.
2. God Has Seen and Heard (Exodus 3:7–10)
“I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out… I am concerned about their suffering.”
God acknowledges the suffering of His people and calls Moses to lead them out of Egypt.
“So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”
God refers to Israel as “My people” for the first time. He assures Moses that He is already at work.
3. Moses’ Objections (Exodus 3:11–17)
Moses isn’t excited. He’s afraid and starts making excuses:
“Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh…?”
God answers not with Moses’ qualifications but with His own presence:
“I will be with you…”
When Moses asks God’s name, God replies:
“I AM WHO I AM… Tell them: I AM has sent me to you.”
This is the first time “I AM” (Yahweh) is revealed—a name declaring God’s eternal self-existence. Moses says, “Who am I?” God replies, “I AM.”
4. God Moves Kings and Nations (Exodus 3:18–22)
God tells Moses Pharaoh won’t let Israel go easily, but:
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God will raise His hand against Egypt.
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The Israelites will leave with silver, gold, and clothing—a sign of divine provision.
God is Jehovah Jireh—the Lord who provides.
5. God Provides Signs (Exodus 4:1–9)
Still hesitant, Moses asks:
“What if they don’t believe me?”
God provides three signs:
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Staff turns into a snake.
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Hand becomes leprous and is healed.
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Nile water turns to blood.
Each sign affirms that Moses is sent by God.
6. Moses’ Speech Impediment (Exodus 4:10–12)
Moses objects again:
“I have never been eloquent… I am slow of speech.”
God responds:
“Who gave human beings their mouths?… Now go; I will help you speak.”
God equips those He calls.
7. Moses’ Final Resistance (Exodus 4:13–17)
“Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”
Moses is still unwilling. God is angry but agrees to send Aaron, Moses’ brother, as a helper. God will not be deterred from His mission.
Application
Moses responded to God’s call with excuse after excuse. What about us?
God has called us to:
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Share the Gospel
2 Timothy 4:5 – “Do the work of an evangelist.”
Matthew 28:19–20 – “Go and make disciples…”Excuses we make:
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I don’t know any non-believers → Go!
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I don’t know what to say → Study!
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I might make a mistake → Practice!
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Be Holy
1 Peter 1:15–16 – “Be holy, because I am holy.”
We all sin—but grace is not a license to continue in sin. Are we honoring Jesus’ sacrifice by living in obedience?
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Love God and Others
This is the greatest commandment. Are we offering excuses or full devotion?
Discussion Questions
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Why do you think God chose to reveal Himself through a burning bush to Moses?
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How do Moses’ excuses reflect some of the common reasons we hesitate to follow God’s call today?
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What does “I AM” tell us about God’s nature—and how does that affect our faith?
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In what ways have you seen God provide when you stepped out in obedience?
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What “burning bush” moments have you experienced—and how did you respond?