A Burning Bush Experience

O.T. #129  "A Burning Bush Experience"
Sept. 17, 2013
Exodus 3-Part 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. 
Exodus 3:2

LET IT GLOW

Have I had any burning bush experiences lately? An experience in which God spoke to me? Oh, yes, dear friends. It was an unusual way that it occurred. I will share it.
Although it is a sad thing that a church sold its building, the pastor left, and members scattered to other churches, we received a blessing from this unfortunate thing. Actually, it was several blessings. As I have mentioned before, our church is in the process of building a new sanctuary along with six classrooms. We have the shell up, debt free, and with volunteers working on Saturdays, the inside is slowly being furbished. We are only in the process of looking at furniture and furnishings, since we are months away from needing them. Then my husband, the pastor, got a call from our associational missionary. He had two storage buildings full of 220 chairs, a podium, a huge soundboard and sound system, tables and chairs and decorations for our church to have, free, if we wanted them. Of course, we are ecstatic, surprised, and in awe of such  gifts. God has opened up the windows of heaven and poured out His indescribable blessings. All I can do is praise Him and thank Him for His goodness and share His mighty works with others for His glory. Yes, I have had a burning bush experience lately. Have you? Let's take a closer look at another burning bush experience, one which Moses had.


Moses was having a usual day with the sheep when something unusual happened. He saw a burning bush that the fire did not consume. This was not a normal thing out in the desert countryside. What else unusual happened?
The angel (malakh in Hebrew) of the Lord that appeared to Moses was in a flame of fire from within a thorny shrub bush, which is here identified as God (Elohim in Hebrew). God actually appeared in human form to people in the Old Testament numerous times. This was one of the ways in which God chose to reveal Himself. (Falwell)

Normally, such a bush would have burned up quickly, but this one did not. What can we learn from this event?
In the midst of commonplace situations, God will often get our attention by causing an uncommon event to occur. These are not mere coincidences nor chance events. They are God's way of tapping us on the shoulder so that we will sit up and listen to what Hew has to say. So we don't miss the message that God has for us, let us be sensitive to this divine method. (Swindoll)

Have you had any "burning bush" experiences where you knew it was God was there in the midst of your circumstances? When you knew He was speaking to you? Are you watching and listening for God?


LET IT GROW

The bush not being consumed was a magnetic sight to Moses-it drew him in for a closer examination.
Some say the burning bush here is a picture of God's grace that draws us to Him. This is the first mention of the word bush, in Hebrew is cneh (sen-eh'), means from an unusual root; to prick, a bramble, bush.
The bush is a picture of the curse upon the earth when sin entered (Genesis 3:18). The "curse" is burned (a picture of judgment) without being consumed-therefore, a picture of God's mercy and grace.

Moses had a profound encounter with God while working as a shepherd; Elisha was plowing a field; Amos was but a sheep breeder and a tender of sycamore trees; Jesus was a carpenter; the disciples were fishermen, when God called them into His service. God had a purpose and a plan for each one's life. He used these ordinary men in extraordinary ways.
Are you ready for God to call you?

Henry and Richard Blackaby and Claude King wrote a study entitled Experiencing God, teaching these principles:

1. God is always at work around you.
2. God pursues a continuing love relationship with him that is real and personal.
3. God invites you to become involved with Him in His work.
4. God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways.
5. God's invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action.
6. You must make major adjustments in your life to join God in what He is doing.
7. You come to know God by experience as you obey Him, and He accomplishes His work through you.

Are you wanting to experience God in your own little world as I am, friends? We can learn from the life of Moses so many things. I hope you will stay with me through this study. There are so many golden nuggets awaiting us.

LET IT GO

My time is hat I need to let go of so I can study God's Word.

Stay in love with my God.

Watch for my burning bush so I can have an encounter with God.

Look where He is working and join Him in His work, yes Lord.

Listen as He speaks through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church.