Encountering God in Unexpected Places
The story of Moses and the burning bush is a powerful testament to how God can communicate with us in the most unexpected ways and places. This ancient narrative, far from being a dusty relic, carries timeless wisdom that speaks directly to our present-day experiences and spiritual journeys.
Picture this: Moses, once a prince of Egypt, now a humble shepherd tending his father-in-law's flock in the wilderness. He's far from the corridors of power he once knew, living a life of exile and obscurity. Yet it's in this desolate place, far beyond the boundaries of civilized society, that God makes His presence known.
The wilderness in Scripture is more than just a geographical location; it's a powerful metaphor for those times in our lives when we feel lost, alone, or disconnected from our purpose. It's the place where Hagar encountered God's provision, where Jesus faced temptation, and where countless others have found themselves stripped of worldly comforts and forced to confront their deepest selves.
As Moses goes about his daily routine, something extraordinary catches his eye - a bush engulfed in flames, yet miraculously not turned to ash— still standing— in flames. This paradoxical sight ignites his curiosity, prompting him to "turn aside" from his usual path to investigate. It's this moment of wonder, this willingness to pause and pay attention, that opens the door for a divine encounter.
How often do we rush through our days, so focused on our tasks and routines that we miss the burning bushes in our own lives? Theologian Ellen Davis suggests that perhaps we don't need to strive so hard to hear God's voice. Maybe all we need is to cultivate a sense of curiosity, to be willing to "turn aside" from our busy schedules and "go see what's burning" in the corners of our lives we usually overlook.
As Moses approaches, he hears God's voice calling his name. The ground he stands on is declared holy, and he's instructed to remove his sandals - a powerful symbol of reverence and intimacy. This isn't a distant deity speaking from on high, but a God who "comes down" to meet us where we are, even in our wilderness moments.
The message God delivers to Moses is one of rescue and purpose. He has seen the suffering of His people in Egypt and is moving to deliver them. But here's the twist - God doesn't just announce His plan; He invites Moses to be part of it. "Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt."
This pattern of divine rescue and human partnership is at the heart of the Gospel message. God doesn't just save us from our metaphorical Egypts; He calls us to participate in His redemptive work in the world. When we encounter God's presence, it's not just for our own benefit - it's an invitation to a larger story, a greater purpose.
The burning bush narrative resonates with another powerful Biblical story - that of Mary, the mother of Jesus. An ancient icon depicts Mary as the burning bush, carrying within her the presence of God incarnate, yet not turned to ash by His holiness. Both Moses and Mary experienced an intimacy with God that defies human understanding, encountering the divine in ways that should have been impossible for mortal flesh to endure.
These stories challenge our notions of where and how God speaks. They remind us that:
1. God is not limited by our boundaries. He can find us in our personal wildernesses, in the places we feel most lost or forgotten.
2. Divine encounters often begin with a sense of wonder or amazement. We must be willing to "turn aside" from our routines and pay attention to the extraordinary within the ordinary.
3. God's presence doesn't destroy us; it transforms us. Like the bush that burned but was not consumed, we can experience God's holiness in ways that change us without annihilating us.
4. When God rescues, He invites us to participate. Our encounters with the divine are not just for our own spiritual satisfaction but are calls to engage in God's work in the world.
The burning bush story invites us to reflect on our own spiritual journeys. Where are the wilderness places in our lives where God might be speaking? Are we cultivating the curiosity and openness needed to notice His presence? Do we believe that God's story of rescue includes us, not just as recipients but as active participants?
As we ponder these questions, we're reminded of the words attributed to Ellen Davis: "Praise helps to destroy what is killing us from within." Perhaps in cultivating an attitude of wonder, in being willing to praise God even in our wilderness moments, we open ourselves to transformative encounters with the divine.
In a world that often feels chaotic and disconnected, the story of the burning bush reminds us that God is still speaking. He's speaking in the fire - in those moments that capture our attention and ignite our curiosity. He's speaking in the wilderness - in those places where we feel most lost and alone. And He's speaking with an invitation - calling us not just to listen, but to participate in His ongoing work of rescue and redemption.
May we have the courage to turn aside, to take off our sandals, and to listen for the voice that calls us by name. For in doing so, we might just find ourselves standing on holy ground, our own lives becoming burning bushes - aflame with divine purpose yet not consumed, beacons of hope in a world hungry for meaning and connection.