Having great ability, wisdom, and even understanding of your life’s calling doesn’t constitute success. Moses came to understand that meaning in life comes from the fulfilling of one’s true purpose, which is to walk with God. God would bring the man Moses to Himself and later the whole nation of Israel, starting with this one life-changing, burning-bush experience.
Exodus 19:4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.
Moses had been taught faith in and also believed in the God of his fathers. However, he had never been introduced to the person of God. At the bush, Moses heard God’s voice, “I am the God of thy Father Abraham…” The burning bush would be the beginning for a continuing relationship with the living God. Moses developed such a close walk with the Lord that, “…the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.” (Exodus 33:11) What an amazing bond between a man and his Creator! Moses was a man whose life’s purpose was a success!
Let’s consider the following three things from the burning bush:
Exodus 3:3-6 And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. 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. And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. 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.
- Your time is required –“I will now turn aside” From Genesis to the last chapter in Revelation, an invitation from God to come is given. God is not a respecter of persons: His invitation to Moses is ours as well. In order to come to the Lord, you must lay aside everything that you are doing and turn aside to see Him. Pastors are serving in the ministry, businessmen are busy working, wives are toiling with house chores; but, to see Him, they must “turn aside to see the great sight.” If you miss the burning bush in life, you miss life’s purpose! Turn aside to see it!
- Your motive is examined – “The Lord saw that he turned aside.” “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God!” “Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled.” “Seek and ye shall find…” “Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you!” If you want to see the Lord, you will see Him! Purify your heart and your motives; let your will bow to His.
- Your worship is required – “put off thy shoes from off thy feet” “…God seeketh such to worship Him.” (John 4:23) With bended knee and open Bible, figuratively or literally, we find the correct mode of worship. We worship God when He alone has our attention. Remember, no spiritual work ever substitutes for real worship. We must prostrate before God’s holiness. It was an amazing place for Moses to be, and it is for us as well.
The burning bush changes everything! Turn aside and see the great sight!