Part 4: The Burning Bush – Moses’ Encounter with God and His Divine Calling
Main Scriptures: Exodus 3:1–22; Exodus 4:1–17.
Supporting Scriptures: Acts 7:30–35; Hebrews 11:24–27.
Theme: Divine calling, God’s holiness, His faithfulness, human inadequacy and obedience to God’s instructions.
Key Verse:
“And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.” — Exodus 3:2 (KJV).
1. Introduction
The encounter between Moses and God at the burning bush is one of the most significant events in the history of the Bible. It marks the beginning of Moses’ public ministry and his appointment as the deliverer of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage.
In the previous study, we examined Moses’ life in Midian, where he spent approximately forty years as a shepherd after fleeing from Egypt. During this period, he married Zipporah, raised a family and worked for his father-in-law, Jethro.
Although Moses had once lived in Pharaoh’s palace and enjoyed the privileges of Egyptian royalty, his life had taken a completely different direction. He was now living quietly in the wilderness, caring for sheep.
However, God’s plan for Moses had not been forgotten. While Moses was tending the flock of Jethro, God arranged an extraordinary encounter that would change the direction of his life forever.
God appeared to Moses in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush that burned without being consumed. From this unusual occurrence, God called Moses by name, revealed His holiness, declared His awareness of Israel’s suffering and commissioned him to return to Egypt to deliver His people.
This encounter teaches us important lessons about divine calling, God’s character, obedience, faith and the importance of responding to His instructions.
It also demonstrates that God can call people from ordinary circumstances and use them for extraordinary assignments.
2. Moses Encounters the Burning Bush
Read: Exodus 3:1–3
Exodus 3:1 tells us that Moses was keeping the flock of Jethro in the wilderness and leading them towards Horeb, the mountain of God.
While carrying out his ordinary responsibilities, he encountered something unusual.
Exodus 3:2 records:
“And the Angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.”
Moses noticed that the bush was burning, but the flames were not destroying it.
This was an extraordinary sight. In the wilderness, dry bushes could easily catch fire. However, this particular bush continued burning without being consumed.
Moses became curious and decided to investigate.
Exodus 3:3 says:
“And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.”
This moment demonstrates the importance of spiritual attentiveness.
Moses could have ignored what he saw and continued tending the sheep. Instead, he stopped and turned aside to investigate.
His willingness to pay attention became the occasion for a life-changing encounter with God.
Spiritual lessons:
- God can reveal Himself in ordinary environments.
- We must develop spiritual attentiveness and sensitivity.
- God can interrupt our ordinary routines to reveal His purposes.
- We should not become so occupied with daily activities that we fail to recognise opportunities to hear from God.
- An encounter with God can change the direction of our lives.
Personal reflection: Are you spiritually attentive enough to recognise when God is directing your attention towards something important?
3. God Calls Moses by Name
Read: Exodus 3:4
When God saw that Moses had turned aside to look at the burning bush, He called him from the midst of the bush.
Exodus 3:4 records:
“And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.”
God called Moses by name, repeating it twice.
This was a personal encounter. Moses was not simply witnessing an unusual natural occurrence. He was being addressed by the living God.
The response of Moses was simple:
“Here am I.”
These words expressed his availability and willingness to listen. Notice that God knew Moses personally. He knew his name, his history, his circumstances and his experiences.
Moses had spent many years in Midian, but God had not forgotten him.
This teaches us that divine calling is personal. God knows those He calls and understands their circumstances.
Spiritual lessons:
God knows us individually.
No period of obscurity can make us invisible to God.
We should be willing to listen when God speaks.
Availability is an important part of responding to divine calling.
God can call people who may feel forgotten or overlooked.
Application: Develop a heart that is willing to respond to God with obedience rather than continually making excuses.
4. God Commands Moses to Remove His Sandals
Read: Exodus 3:5
After calling Moses, God gave him an important instruction.
Exodus 3:5 says:
“And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.”
God instructed Moses not to approach carelessly.
He was to remove his sandals because the place where he stood had become holy ground.
The significance of this command was not that the physical ground possessed holiness independently. Rather, God’s presence made the encounter sacred.
The instruction communicated reverence, humility and recognition of God’s holiness. Moses was being taught that an encounter with God must be approached with respect. God is not an ordinary being whom human beings can approach with arrogance or casual familiarity.
He is holy, sovereign and worthy of reverence.
Important spiritual lessons:
- God is holy and deserves our reverence.
- We must approach Him with humility.
- God’s presence demands respect.
- Spiritual service should begin with a proper understanding of God’s holiness.
- We must not allow familiarity with religious activities to diminish our reverence for God.
Supporting Scripture: Isaiah 6:1–5 describes Isaiah’s encounter with God’s holiness and his response.
Personal application: Our worship, prayer, preaching and service should reflect genuine reverence for God.
5. God Reveals Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob
Read: Exodus 3:6
God continued speaking to Moses and introduced Himself as the God of his ancestors.
Exodus 3:6 states:
“Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”
When Moses heard this, he hid his face because he was afraid to look upon God. This revelation was significant because it connected Moses’ calling with God’s covenant promises.
God had previously established a covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He had promised Abraham that his descendants would become a great nation and that they would eventually inherit the land of Canaan.
Now, generations later, God was preparing to fulfil those promises.
Moses’ assignment was therefore not an isolated event. It was connected to God’s ongoing plan for His covenant people.
Spiritual lessons:
- God is faithful across generations.
- His promises do not expire because time has passed.
- God’s plans extend beyond the lifetime of individuals.
- We should recognise that our responsibilities may be connected to a much larger purpose.
- The faithfulness of God is not dependent on changing human circumstances.
Supporting Scripture: Genesis 12:1–3; Genesis 15:13–16; Genesis 17:1–8.
6. God Sees the Suffering of the Israelites
Read: Exodus 3:7–9
One of the most encouraging aspects of this encounter is God’s declaration concerning the suffering of Israel.
Exodus 3:7 says:
“And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows.”
God made four important declarations:
- He had seen their affliction.
- He had heard their cry.
- He knew their sorrows.
- He was prepared to act on their behalf.
The Israelites had suffered under harsh Egyptian oppression for many years. Their lives were characterised by forced labour, cruelty and suffering.
Although their situation appeared hopeless, God had not forgotten them. He was fully aware of their condition.
This passage reveals the compassionate nature of God. He is not indifferent to human suffering. He sees injustice, hears the cries of the oppressed and knows the pain people experience.
God also announced His intention to deliver them from Egypt and bring them into a good and spacious land flowing with milk and honey.
Spiritual lessons:
- God sees every form of suffering.
- God hears the prayers of His people.
- God’s compassion extends to those experiencing oppression.
- His apparent delay does not mean that He is indifferent.
- God is able to provide deliverance where human efforts have failed.
Supporting Scripture: Psalm 34:17–18 reminds us that God hears the cries of the righteous.
Personal reflection: When you experience difficult circumstances, remember that God sees, hears and knows your situation.
7. God Gives Moses a Divine Assignment
Read: Exodus 3:10
After explaining Israel’s suffering and His intention to deliver them, God gave Moses a direct instruction.
Exodus 3:10 states:
“Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.”
This was the beginning of Moses’ formal commission as Israel’s deliverer.
God did not merely show Moses a vision of suffering. He appointed him to participate in the solution.
The assignment was enormous. Moses was expected to return to Egypt, confront Pharaoh and lead an entire nation out of slavery.
Consider the magnitude of this responsibility.
He had fled Egypt because Pharaoh wanted to kill him. Now God was instructing him to return to the same country and stand before the king.
This was a humanly intimidating assignment. Yet, God was not asking Moses to accomplish it through his own strength. The assignment depended on God’s power and presence.
Spiritual lessons:
- Divine calling involves responsibility.
- God calls people to participate in His purposes.
- A genuine calling may involve difficult assignments.
- We must not allow fear to prevent us from obeying God.
- God’s assignments are accomplished through His strength, not merely human ability.
Important reflection: Are you willing to obey God when His instructions require you to leave your comfort zone?
8. Moses Questions His Own Ability
Read: Exodus 3:11
Moses responded to God’s commission with a question.
Exodus 3:11 says:
“And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?”
Moses questioned his suitability for the assignment.
He remembered his past experiences. He had once lived in Pharaoh’s palace, but he had also fled from Egypt as a wanted man.
He was now an ordinary shepherd in Midian.The idea of returning to Pharaoh and demanding the release of the Israelites must have seemed overwhelming.
His question reveals feelings of inadequacy.
He was essentially asking God why He had chosen him for such a difficult task. However, God’s response is very important.
Exodus 3:12 says:
“Certainly I will be with thee…”
Notice that God did not respond by giving Moses a list of his qualifications. Instead, He promised His presence.
The answer to Moses’ question was not primarily who Moses was, but who God was.
This is a foundational lesson about divine calling.
Our confidence should not be based exclusively on our abilities, education, experience or social position.
It should be based on God’s presence and faithfulness.
Spiritual lessons:
- Feelings of inadequacy do not necessarily mean that God has not called us.
- God can use people who recognise their limitations.
- Our weaknesses should drive us towards dependence on God.
- God’s presence is more important than human qualifications.
- We should not disqualify ourselves from serving God simply because we feel unprepared.
Supporting Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9 teaches that God’s grace is sufficient and His strength is made perfect in weakness.
9. Moses Asks About God’s Name
Read: Exodus 3:13–15
Moses raised another question. He anticipated that the Israelites might ask him about the identity of the God who had sent him.
He therefore asked God what name he should give them.
God responded with one of the most profound declarations in Scripture.
Exodus 3:14 says:
“And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.”
The expression “I AM THAT I AM” reveals God’s self-existence and eternal nature.
Unlike human beings, who depend on other things for existence, God exists independently. He is not created, sustained or controlled by anything outside Himself. He is eternal, sovereign and unchanging.
God further instructed Moses to tell the Israelites that the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, had sent him.
The name represented the God who had established a covenant with their ancestors and who remained faithful to His promises.
Important spiritual lessons:
- God is eternal and self-existent.
- God does not depend on human beings for His existence.
- His character and faithfulness remain constant.
- Our confidence must rest in who God is.
- We should know the God we claim to serve.
Supporting Scriptures: John 8:58; Psalm 90:2; Revelation 1:8.
10. God Reveals His Plan for Israel’s Deliverance
Read: Exodus 3:16–22
God gave Moses further instructions concerning his mission.
He was to gather the elders of Israel and inform them that God had visited His people and had seen what was happening to them.
He was also to explain that God intended to bring them out of Egypt and into the land promised to their ancestors.
God described the land as one flowing with milk and honey.
However, He also warned Moses that Pharaoh would not initially allow the Israelites to leave.
God explained that Pharaoh would resist the request until the display of divine power through signs and wonders.
This section reveals that God had already considered the obstacles Moses would face.
He knew Pharaoh’s attitude and understood the resistance that would follow. Nevertheless, God had a plan.
He would demonstrate His power through mighty acts and eventually bring Israel out of Egypt.
God also promised that the Israelites would not leave empty-handed. They would receive valuable items from the Egyptians.
This was an important reversal of their condition as oppressed slaves.
Spiritual lessons:
- God knows the obstacles that stand before us.
- Opposition does not necessarily mean that we are outside God’s will.
- God’s plans are greater than the resistance of human authorities.
- God is able to provide for His people.
- Deliverance may involve a process rather than an immediate change.
11. Moses’ Objections: The Struggle to Accept God’s Calling
Although Moses had received a clear commission, he continued expressing concerns. His responses are recorded in Exodus 3 and 4.
These objections provide valuable insight into the struggles people sometimes experience when confronted with divine responsibility.
Objection 1: “Who am I?”
Scripture: Exodus 3:11.
Moses questioned his personal suitability. God’s response: “Certainly I will be with thee” (Exodus 3:12).
Lesson: God’s presence is greater than our personal limitations.
Objection 2: “What shall I say unto them?”
Scripture: Exodus 3:13.
Moses was concerned about what he would tell the Israelites concerning the identity of the God who had sent him.
God’s response: God revealed His name, “I AM THAT I AM” (Exodus 3:14).
Lesson: We must know God and communicate His truth faithfully.
Objection 3: “They will not believe me.”
Scripture: Exodus 4:1.
Moses feared that the Israelites would not accept his message or believe that God had appeared to him.
God’s response: God gave him three signs:
- His rod became a serpent.
- His hand became leprous and was restored.
- Water from the Nile would become blood when poured on dry land.
Lesson: God is able to equip His servants and provide confirmation of His instructions.
Objection 4: “I am not eloquent.”
Scripture: Exodus 4:10.
Moses explained that he was slow of speech and tongue.
God’s response: God reminded Moses that He was the Creator of the human mouth and promised to help him speak.
Lesson: God understands our weaknesses and can equip us for the responsibilities He gives us.
Objection 5: “Send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.”
Scripture: Exodus 4:13.
Moses eventually asked God to send someone else.
God became angry with Moses because of his continued resistance, but He provided Aaron, Moses’ brother, to assist him.
Lesson: We should not allow fear and insecurity to become excuses for persistent disobedience.
12. God Provides Signs to Confirm His Commission
Read: Exodus 4:1–9
God did not leave Moses without evidence of His power.
He gave him three signs that would help establish the credibility of his mission.
First sign: The rod becomes a serpent.
God instructed Moses to throw his rod on the ground. When he did so, it became a serpent, and Moses fled from it. God then instructed him to pick it up by the tail, and it became a rod again. Picking a serpent by the tail is dangerous. It’s better to pick a serpent by the head and not the tail. God was asking Moses to lay down his life and trust Him.
This demonstrated God’s authority over creation and His ability to use ordinary objects for extraordinary purposes.
Second sign: Moses’ hand becomes leprous and is healed.
God instructed Moses to put his hand inside his clothing. When he removed it, his hand was leprous. He then put it inside again, and it was restored.
This demonstrated God’s power over sickness and the human body.
Third sign: Water becomes blood.
God instructed Moses to take water from the Nile and pour it onto dry ground.
The water would become blood.
This sign would demonstrate God’s authority over Egypt and its most important river.
Spiritual lessons:
- God can use ordinary things for extraordinary purposes.
- Divine authority is greater than human power.
- God is able to provide what His servants need.
- We must trust God’s power rather than depend exclusively on our own abilities.
13. God Provides Aaron as Moses’ Helper
Read: Exodus 4:10–17
Even after receiving God’s assurances and witnessing the signs, Moses continued to express concern about his speaking ability.
God reminded him that He was the one who created the human mouth and was able to help him communicate.
However, Moses continued asking God to send someone else.
God became angry but agreed that Aaron, Moses’ brother, would accompany him and speak on his behalf.
Exodus 4:14 records:
“And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses…”
God instructed Moses to communicate His message to Aaron, who would then speak to the people.
Moses would also be responsible for conveying God’s instructions and demonstrating the signs.
This arrangement demonstrates that God can provide people to assist us in fulfilling our responsibilities.
Not every assignment must be carried out alone.
Spiritual lessons:
- God understands our weaknesses.
- We should not use our limitations as permanent excuses.
- God can provide helpers and partners for His work.
- Teamwork is important in Christian ministry.
- We must accept assistance without surrendering our responsibilities.
Application: Learn to work with others and appreciate the different gifts God has placed within the body of Christ.
14. Major Spiritual Lessons from the Burning Bush
The encounter between Moses and God provides several important lessons for Christians.
1. God calls people personally.
God called Moses by name. Divine calling involves a personal relationship with God.
2. God’s holiness must be respected.
The instruction to remove his sandals reminded Moses that he was standing in the presence of a holy God.
3. God is concerned about human suffering.
He saw, heard and knew the suffering of the Israelites.
4. God’s calling involves responsibility.
Moses was not simply given a spiritual experience; he was commissioned to undertake a difficult assignment.
5. God’s presence is greater than our inadequacy.
Moses questioned his ability, but God promised to be with him.
6. God reveals Himself to His servants.
The revelation of “I AM THAT I AM” established the foundation of Moses’ confidence.
7. God equips those He calls.
He provided Moses with signs and Aaron as an assistant.
8. Fear should not become an excuse for disobedience.
Moses’ repeated objections demonstrate the danger of allowing insecurity to prevent us from responding to God’s instructions.
15. Personal Reflection and Application
The burning bush experience challenges every believer to consider how they respond to God’s direction.
Many people desire to serve God, but when an opportunity or responsibility arises, they begin to focus on their weaknesses.
Some feel they lack education, experience, confidence, financial resources or the ability to speak effectively.
Others are afraid of criticism, rejection or opposition.
Moses experienced many of these concerns.
Yet God reminded him that the success of the assignment depended on divine presence rather than human ability alone.
This does not mean that preparation, learning and developing skills are unnecessary. Rather, it means that we must not allow our limitations to become greater in our minds than God’s ability to help us.
We should learn to respond to God with faith, humility and obedience.
Questions for personal reflection:
- Am I willing to listen when God directs my attention?
- Do I approach God with reverence and humility?
- Am I concerned about the suffering of other people?
- Have I allowed fear to prevent me from fulfilling a responsibility?
- Do I depend on God’s strength or rely entirely on my own abilities?
- Am I willing to accept help from others?
- What excuses do I need to surrender to God?
16. Bible Study Discussion Questions
- What was Moses doing when he encountered the burning bush?
- Why was the burning bush an extraordinary sign?
- What is the significance of God calling Moses by name?
- Why did God instruct Moses to remove his sandals?
- What does the encounter teach us about God’s holiness?
- Why did God identify Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob?
- What four things did God declare concerning Israel’s suffering?
- Why did God choose Moses to deliver the Israelites?
- What does Moses’ question, “Who am I?” reveal about his attitude?
- What is the meaning and significance of “I AM THAT I AM”?
- What were the three signs God gave Moses?
- Why did Moses repeatedly give excuses?
- How did God respond to Moses’ concern about his speaking ability?
- Why did God provide Aaron as Moses’ assistant?
- What lessons can modern Christians learn from Moses’ encounter with God?
- How can believers distinguish between genuine humility and fear-driven excuses?
- Why is obedience important when responding to divine calling?
- What does this encounter teach us about God’s concern for oppressed people?
17. Practical Exercises for the Week
Seven-day spiritual growth programme
Day 1
Read Exodus 3:1–4. Reflect on the burning bush and the importance of spiritual attentiveness.
Day 2
Read Exodus 3:5–6. Examine your attitude towards God’s holiness and worship.
Day 3
Read Exodus 3:7–9. Pray for people who are experiencing oppression and suffering.
Day 4
Read Exodus 3:10–12. Reflect on God’s calling and His promise to be with Moses.
Day 5
Read Exodus 3:13–22. Study the meaning of God’s name and His covenant faithfulness.
Day 6
Read Exodus 4:1–17. Identify excuses and fears that may be preventing you from obeying God.
Day 7
Write down three lessons from Moses’ encounter with God and identify how you will apply them.
18. Prayer Points
- Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing Yourself as the eternal and unchanging God.
- Lord, open my spiritual eyes and help me recognise Your direction in my life.
- Father, give me a heart that respects Your holiness and honours Your presence.
- Lord, give me compassion for people who are suffering and help me become an instrument of encouragement and deliverance.
- Father, remove every fear and insecurity that prevents me from obeying Your instructions.
- Lord, teach me to depend on Your strength rather than my own abilities.
- Father, give me the courage to accept the responsibilities You have entrusted to me.
- Lord, surround me with the right people who will assist and encourage me in fulfilling Your purposes.
- Father, help me to distinguish between genuine humility and excuses caused by fear.
- Lord, prepare me to respond faithfully whenever You call me to serve.
19. Memory Verse
Exodus 3:12 (KJV)
“And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee…”
Memory challenge: Memorise this verse and explain why God’s presence was more important than Moses’ personal qualifications.
20. Additional Scriptures for Further Study
| Scripture | Study focus |
| Exodus 3:1–3 | The burning bush. |
| Exodus 3:4 | God calls Moses by name. |
| Exodus 3:5–6 | God’s holiness and covenant identity. |
| Exodus 3:7–9 | God’s concern for Israel. |
| Exodus 3:10–12 | Moses receives his commission. |
| Exodus 3:13–15 | The revelation of God’s name. |
| Exodus 3:16–22 | God’s promise of deliverance. |
| Exodus 4:1–9 | The three signs given to Moses. |
| Exodus 4:10–17 | Moses’ objections and Aaron’s appointment. |
| Acts 7:30–35 | Stephen’s account of Moses’ calling. |
| Hebrews 11:24–27 | Moses’ faith and obedience. |
| 2 Corinthians 12:9 | God’s strength in human weakness. |
21. Conclusion
The encounter at the burning bush was a defining moment in the life of Moses. After approximately forty years in Midian, God called him to return to Egypt and deliver the Israelites from slavery.
Through this encounter, Moses discovered that God had not forgotten His people or abandoned His covenant promises. God had seen their suffering, heard their cries and was ready to act.
However, the assignment required Moses to confront his fears and limitations.
He questioned his suitability, expressed concern about what to say and doubted whether the Israelites would believe him. He even asked God to send someone else.
Nevertheless, God patiently addressed his concerns, revealed His identity, demonstrated His power and provided Aaron as an assistant.
The encounter teaches us that divine calling is not based solely on human ability. God calls, equips, guides and strengthens those He chooses.
The most important assurance God gave Moses was not that the journey would be easy, but that He would be with him.
The central message of this study is that God’s presence is greater than our inadequacy, and His calling requires our faith and obedience.
When God calls us to fulfil a responsibility, we must not allow fear, insecurity or a sense of unworthiness to become permanent obstacles.
We must learn to trust Him, obey His instructions and depend on His strength.
