God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” (Ex. 3:4)
The symbolism of fire is seen throughout the Scriptures and is often associated with the intensity of God’s power or a representation of his divine purity. However, we don’t read of many instances where God approaches an individual in this manner. Perhaps, then, the symbolism of fire in this passage has more to do with the intensity of God’s presence.
Being in the holy presence of God, Moses was called to lead God’s people out of slavery and into the promised land. It is not too astonishing to read Moses’ response to God’s call because we too would have probably responded in the same manner. Moses questioned his human capabilities, and in verses 11–15 we see the contrast between human limitations.
We learn in this story that it is not a matter of our strength, our qualifications, our wisdom, or our abilities, but rather our willingness, for God is seeking an instrument through which to do his work. Remember, God is sufficient for any task he has called us to perform, and as the Christian musician and author Michael Card stated, “Behind every specific call, whether it is to teach or preach or write or encourage or comfort, there is a deeper call that gives shape to the first: the call to give ourselves away.” This giving includes our skepticism, questions, and concerns.
Stand in the presence of God and give yourself to his ways.
Jeremy Summers serves as multiplication pastor at Alive Wesleyan Church and adjunct professor at Southern Wesleyan University.
© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
