A Story of God’s Faithfulness

Exodus 3 unfolds the miraculous calling of Moses, emphasizing God’s faithfulness in hearing the cries of His people and His power to act. Building on the backdrop of Israel’s suffering in Egypt, this chapter showcases God’s greatness in initiating the redemption of His covenant people. Through Moses’ encounter with the burning bush and God’s response to his doubts, we see a powerful reminder of God’s presence, His calling, and His redemptive plan.

God’s Miraculous Call of Moses (Exodus 3:1-10)

The chapter begins with Moses in a humble position, tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro. Having left behind the privileges of Pharaoh’s household, Moses is now a shepherd—a role despised by Egyptians—and has journeyed far into the wilderness to Horeb, the mountain of God.

Here, Moses encounters a miraculous sight: a bush ablaze with fire, yet unconsumed. This extraordinary event captures his attention. As Moses approaches, God calls out to him by name, establishing a personal and profound connection. God commands Moses to remove his sandals, for he is standing on holy ground. This act underscores the reverence required to enter God’s presence and highlights God’s particular holiness.

God reveals Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, affirming His covenant relationship with Israel. He declares that He has seen the affliction of His people in Egypt, heard their cries, and is aware of their sufferings. In His faithfulness, God announces His plan to deliver them and bring them to a land flowing with milk and honey. Astonishingly, He calls Moses to be the instrument of this deliverance, commissioning him to confront Pharaoh and lead Israel out of bondage.

God’s Merciful Response to Moses’ Doubts (Exodus 3:11-22)

Moses’ immediate reaction is one of doubt and self-deprecation: “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” This question reflects his awareness of his inadequacy, but God graciously reassures him, saying, “Certainly, I will be with you.” God’s presence is the ultimate guarantee of success, not Moses’ abilities. To further assure him, God promises a sign: Moses and the Israelites will worship on this very mountain after their deliverance.

Moses then expresses doubt about how the Israelites will receive him. Anticipating their skepticism, he asks what name he should give them for the God who sent him. God’s response is profound: “I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” This name, Yahweh, emphasizes God’s eternal existence, independence, and unchanging nature. God also reaffirms His covenant relationship by identifying Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

God provides Moses with further instructions, detailing how the elders of Israel will respond positively to his message and how Pharaoh will resist. Despite Pharaoh’s stubbornness, God promises to demonstrate His power through miraculous judgments, culminating in Israel’s deliverance and the plundering of Egypt’s wealth.

Lessons for Today

Exodus 3 invites us to marvel at God’s greatness and faithfulness. It challenges us to trust His calling and rest in His presence. Here are some key takeaways:

1. God’s Holiness: Approaching God requires reverence and humility. Like Moses removing his sandals, we must recognize God’s holiness and prepare our hearts to meet Him.
2. God’s Presence: God’s assurance to Moses, “I will be with you,” reminds us that His presence empowers and equips us for the tasks He calls us to.
3. God’s Name: The revelation of God as “I AM” speaks to His eternal, self-existent nature. This truth gives us confidence in His unchanging faithfulness and ability to fulfill His promises.
4. God’s Plan: Even when circumstances seem insurmountable, God’s plans are unfolding with precision and purpose. He uses ordinary people, like Moses, to accomplish extraordinary things for His glory.

Trusting God’s Call

The calling of Moses reminds us that God’s work is not dependent on our abilities but on His presence and power. Just as He called Moses to deliver Israel, He calls us to be vessels of His redemption in our world. Despite our doubts and fears, we can trust in the One who is “I AM”—the eternal, faithful, and sovereign God.

Let us approach Him with awe, trust in His calling, and rejoice in His faithfulness, knowing that the same God who heard Israel’s cries hears ours today. And let us live with confidence, assured that His purposes will prevail and His promises endure forever.