Encountering God during a time of crisis 

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Thoughts on Exodus 3:1-10
Elfed Godding 09.03.21

Through the faith and skill of the Hebrew midwives Shiphrah and Puah, the Lord ensured that baby boys born to Hebrew mothers were kept alive rather than being killed at birth as the King of Egypt had ordered, Exodus 1:15-22. Moses was one of those babies and in later life was used by God to lead the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt towards a journey into the Promised Land.

As a young man, having killed an Egyptian out of anger and then fleeing for his life to Midian, Moses worked as a shepherd, married and had children. But the time came for the next stage of God’s plan. God had a special calling for Moses to fulfil. This is where we pick up the story in chapter three.

The God who invites v2-4
God met with Moses in the context of everyday life. Moses was tending the flock of his father in law when the Lord appeared to him through a burning bush that was not consumed by the flames. The otherworldliness of this inexplicable sight drew Moses’ curiosity. He turned aside to encounter God. There are key moments in the life of every Christian when the Lord affords us an opportunity to draw closer to Him. We need to take those opportunities.

The God who warns v5-6
This however is not a casual encounter but one that would alter the trajectory of Moses’ life forever. His natural curiosity drew him towards the bush but he was stopped in his tracks until he was prepared to enter the presence of God by removing his sandals. There was an infinite distance to be breeched. We serve God on his terms, not ours. 

The God who cares v7
God sees the anguish and the suffering of His people. He hears their cries.

The God who rescues v8-9
Our God is the God of justice and hates oppression, so He begins to reveal His rescue plan to Moses, the fallible, head strong, flawed servant of God. Ring any bells? His plan is to deliver His people from slavery to freedom in a spacious land where His Name will be honoured.

The God who sends v10-14
This is where the rubber hits the road. The penny drops. Moses is the one being called and sent. This is when the excuses start to flow; ‘But who am I?’ God replied ‘I am with you’. ‘But suppose they ask what your name is?’ God replied ‘I AM who I AM. Say to the Israelites ‘I AM has sent you.’ God was and is and ever more shall be the ultimate authority, the timeless creator of heaven and earth. God called and used a flawed man Moses to lead his people into freedom. He is still using flawed people in his church to extend His Kingdom. 

This is the God we know through our Saviour Jesus Christ. There is no task too great or too menial. What is God calling us to do at this point in time? Are we presenting excuses or willing to be used?

Let’s conclude by praying the words of Isaiah in Chapter 6 verse 8 ‘Here am I send me’ and worship the Lord by listening
here 

Elfed Godding, 09/03/2021