Burning Bush
In this message, Stephen reflects on the significance of the burning bush as described in Exodus 3 and its spiritual implications for believers. He emphasizes that Moses, despite his royal upbringing and initial confidence, faced a profound personal crisis at the age of 80, feeling like a failure as a shepherd. It was at this low point that God revealed Himself to Moses through the burning bush, symbolizing God's holiness and presence. Stephen explains that the thorn bush represents humanity's fallen state, while the fire signifies God's holiness. The combination of these elements illustrates that, although we are flawed, God's presence can transform us. Stephen highlights that true knowledge of God goes beyond intellectual understanding; it requires a personal relationship. He encourages believers to recognize their limitations and embrace God's transformative power, which allows them to shine with His glory despite their imperfections. Ultimately, the message conveys that God desires to dwell within us, using our trials to purify and glorify us, making us vessels for His purpose.
Outline of Main Points
- Introduction to the burning bush in Exodus 3.
- Moses' background and his sense of divine appointment.
- Moses' crisis and loss of hope at age 80.
- God's revelation through the burning bush.
- Symbolism of the thorn bush and fire.
- Importance of personal knowledge of God.
- God's desire to dwell within us and transform us.
- Conclusion: Embracing trials for spiritual growth and glory.
1 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. 2 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. 3 And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. 4 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. 5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. 6 Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
14 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.
6 Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.
5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.
