Bible Study - Count - Accept the Call - Exodus 3 and 4 - November 6, 2011

Bible Study – Count – Accept the Call – November 6, 2011

This begins a new series entitled “Make Your Life Count.”

Our scripture for this lesson is Exodus 3:1-6, 10-15; 4:10-12.

This will be a four (4) week study:
November 6 – Accept the Call
November 13 – Stand for the Lord
November 20 – Respond to Difficult Situations
November 27 – Adopt the Right Perspective

In this lesson, we will examine the call of Moses at the burning bush and the principle that GOD has for calling each Christian to serve HIM.

If you do not already know the story of Moses, you need to read about his early life recorded in Exodus Chapters 1 and 2. Moses grew up in Egypt and was the adopted son of an Egyptian Princess. Moses’ parents were both Levites. Since Moses’ mother raised him for the Egyptian princess, it is likely that his mother instructed him about the true GOD of the Israelites. But he was also exposed to the pagan gods and ways of the Egyptians. Moses knew that he was an Israelite.

When Moses was 40 years old, he killed an Egyptian and had to flee Egypt. He fled to the land of Midian.

The inhabitants of the land of Midian were descendants of Abraham. Abraham’s wife Sarah died and Abraham took a wife named, Keturah, and one of their sons was named Midian, as was recorded in Genesis 25:1-4:
1 Now Abraham took another wife, whose name was Keturah, 2 and she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. 3 Jokshan fathered Sheba and Dedan. Dedan’s sons were the Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim. 4 And Midian’s sons were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were sons of Keturah.
The offspring of Abraham and Keturah settled in the area which became to be known as the “land of Midian.”

The Israelites had been in Egypt for about 400 years. During that time they went from enjoying life as descendents of Jacob to being enslaved.

GOD had a plan for Moses even though he had killed a man. Many of us may have done things that we feel would make us unusable to GOD. GOD knows our heart. GOD knew the heart of Moses and GOD looks upon our hearts. GOD had prepared Moses for the task HE had planned for him. Moses needed to be trained in desert and wilderness survival. Moses spent 40 years herding sheep in the desert/wilderness region before GOD called him. GOD revealed Himself to Moses at the right time. Moses was 80 years old. So never think that you are too old to be called by the LORD. As long as you have life, GOD can use you where you are.

Moses fled Egypt and was sitting by a well in the land of Midian. Often GOD plops us down in a specific place for a purpose. There was a priest in Midian named Jethro. He had seven (7) daughters who came to that well to water their father’s flocks. Some shepherds came and drove the girls away but Moses came to their rescue. After driving off those rogue shepherds, Moses drew water for these ladies and watered their flocks. This impressed the ladies. The ladies arrived back home sooner than expected and their father asked why they had returned so soon. They told their father what Moses had done for them. Their father asked where he was. Didn’t they invite him to dinner? They did and Moses came to dinner. He and Zipporah, one of the daughters, took a fancy to each other. They married and she gave birth to two (2) sons, Gershom and Eliezer.

Time marched on and the king of Egypt, who knew what Moses had done, died. It is likely Moses did not know that he had died. The Israelites were subjected to harder labor by other Pharaohs. They cried out to GOD and HE heard them. GOD could have delivered them Himself but HE chose to work through Moses.

Moses had settled down to being a sheep herder for his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian. He became familiar with the wilderness and desert area of the Sinai Peninsula. He learned about shepherding sheep which was useful in shepherding people. Moses had been trained to be used by GOD but he never knew that at that time. Had he wondered why his life had gone from living in the palace in Egypt to shepherding sheep in the wilderness/desert area? They needed to communicate. GOD is not shy and HE reached out to Moses. Isn’t it wonderful to serve a GOD Who does not hesitate to make the first move.

Let’s read Exodus 3:1-6:
Moses and the Burning Bush
1 Meanwhile Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro,[1] Moses’ father-in-law’s first name was Jethro; Ex 2:18 the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb,[2] = Desolation; another name for Mount Sinai; Dt 4:10,15; 18:16; Mal 4:4. the mountain of God. 2 Then the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire within a bush. As Moses looked, he saw that the bush was on fire but was not consumed. 3 So Moses thought: I must go over and look at this remarkable sight. Why isn’t the bush burning up? 4 When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from the bush, “Moses, Moses!” “Here I am,” he answered. 5 “Do not come closer,” He said. “Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”[3] Jos 5:15; Ac 7:33 6 Then He continued, “I am the God of your father,[4] Sam, some LXX mss read fathers; Ac 7:32 the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Moses hid his face because he was afraid to look at God.

We know that Moses’ father-in-law was a priest but we are not sure which god or gods he worshipped. We do know, based upon Exodus 18:9-12, after GOD worked through Moses to deliver the Israelites, that Jethro acknowledged GOD as the GOD above all other gods.

Exodus 18:9-12 - 9 Jethro rejoiced over all the good things the Lord had done for Israel when He rescued them from the Egyptians. 10 “Blessed is the Lord,” Jethro exclaimed, “who rescued you from Pharaoh and the power of the Egyptians, and snatched the people from the power of the Egyptians. 11 Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods, because He [did wonders]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. at the time the Egyptians acted arrogantly against Israel.”[6] Hb obscure 12 Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, brought a • burnt offering and sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses’ father-in-law in God’s presence.

When GOD works through our lives, it is a witness to others. GOD, working through Moses, was a witness to Jethro.

We know that Moses was on Mount Horeb or Sinai which would be important in Biblical history. This was where Moses received his call and it would be where Moses would have further discussions with GOD and receive the Ten Commandments from GOD. Mount Horeb was referred to as the Mountain of GOD.

Moses was about his routine of shepherding sheep when GOD got his attention. Moses saw a strange phenomenon. A bush was on fire but it was not being consumed. I understand there is a bush that secretes oil that can burn but that is not the issue. GOD gets our attention so that we will stop what we are doing, focus and listen. GOD spoke to Moses through a burning bush because it got his attention.

To my knowledge, GOD has never spoken to others through a burning bush. The important point is that GOD speaks to those HE is calling any way HE chooses. HE knows us intimately and HE knows what will get out attention. Christians should not expect GOD to speak to them through a burning bush but HE could.

The scripture states that Moses was on Mount Horeb, the mountain of GOD. Pagan religions thought that gods lived on mountains. What might have been a mountain associated with various gods, now, it would be known as the Mountain of the true GOD of the Israelites.

The scripture tells us that the “Angel of the LORD” appeared to Moses. If the scripture had stated “an angel” appeared, then we would know it was a heavenly messenger representing GOD. But when it stated that it was the “Angel of the LORD” it meant GOD. So GOD came down and was speaking directly to Moses through this burning bush.

The bush burned but it was not consumed. This represents the eternal love and righteousness of GOD, which remains constant and never diminishes. This brought to my mind the eternal love of GOD for all who will accept JESUS as their Savior as expressed in Ephesians 1:3-5 - 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,[2] Eph 1:20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12 in Christ; 4 for He chose[3] Rm 11:5–7; 1 Co 1:26–31; 1 Th 1:4; 2 Th 2:13; 1 Pt 1:1–2 us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight.[4] Vv. 3–14 are 1 sentence in Gk. In love[5] Or In His sight in love 5 He predestined[6] Ac 4:28; Rm 8:29–30; 1 Co 2:7; Eph 1:11 us to be adopted through Jesus Christ for Himself, according to His favor and will,

GOD got the attention of Moses by using a physical sign, a burning bush. He went closer to check out this phenomenon. When we closer to GOD, HE responds to us. GOD called Moses by name, “Moses, Moses”. GOD knows our name. HE called Moses’ name twice. When GOD speaks, HE wants our undivided attention. When your mother or dad called you, if he/she spoke your name twice, you usually paid special attention. Moses listened.

Moses responded with, “Here I am.” When we hear GOD speak, our part is to respond and listen. Notice that Moses did not acknowledge that he knew who was speaking to him.

Immediately, GOD established the boundaries for their relationship. GOD revealed to Moses that he was on Holy ground. It was not the ground but the presence of GOD that made the ground Holy. Christians need to keep this in their minds. The presence of GOD in their lives is what makes Christians Holy. GOD is present in our lives and wherever we place our feet becomes Holy ground. This is an awesome responsibility and that is why Christians must have the right relationship with GOD through CHRIST.

GOD revealed to Moses that HE was the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. These men had been dead for about 400 years. In this statement, GOD revealed that HE was not bound by time. HE was timeless, unchanging and everlasting. It became clear to Moses that GOD was speaking to him because he hid his face and was afraid to look at GOD. It is likely that his mother’s instructions regarding GOD were triggered.

Let’s read Exodus 3:10-15:
10 Therefore, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh so that you may lead My people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.” 11 But Moses asked God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and that I should bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” 12 He answered, “I will certainly be with you, and this will be the sign to you that I have sent you: when you bring the people out of Egypt, you will all worship[5] Or serve God at this mountain.” 13 Then Moses asked God, “If I go to the Israelites and say to them: The God of your fathers has sent me to you, and they ask me, ‘What is His name?’ what should I tell them?” 14 God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.[6] Or I AM BECAUSE I AM, or I WILL BE WHO I WILL BE This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.” 15 God also said to Moses, “Say this to the Israelites: • Yahweh, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever; this is how I am to be remembered in every generation.

GOD revealed HIS plan to Moses and GOD had chosen Moses to implement HIS plan. Moses questioned GOD. There is nothing wrong with questioning GOD. This was not questioning HIM in a doubtful way but in a positive way. Moses felt inadequate to do such an awesome job. What training did he have to do such an awesome job? But notice that GOD was quick to tell him “I will be with you!”

When GOD calls HIS children to serve HIM, HE always prepares, equips, empowers and goes before them and with them, just as HE told Moses in verse 12. GOD always equips HIS servants to do what is needed. HE equips HIS children through the gifts of the Holy Spirit and empowers those called to do what is needed. Those chosen must trust in HIS ability. This requires those chosen to have and maintain the right relationship with HIM. Moses would get to know GOD and develop an intimate relationship with GOD as he led the Israelites out of Egypt and eventually to the Promised Land. Moses’ disobedience resulted in him not being able to enter the Promised Land. GOD expects complete obedience to HIS commands.

GOD gave Moses the assurance that what HE had called him to do would be accomplished because they would return to that very place. When we go with GOD, we go in HIS power and under HIS leadership. Often, Christians go in their own strength and fail. Then they blame GOD for their failure. They believe that because they are doing a good thing that GOD will bless what they are doing. Always wait upon the LORD, seek HIS guidance and HE will direct your path.
Moses wanted to know who it was that was calling him to do this job. Moses wanted to know how to represent HIM to the Israelites? Since GOD had revealed that HE was the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, how should Moses refer to HIM? It was a good question and GOD gave him the answer, “Tell them that “I AM WHO I AM” or “I AM” sent you.”

To me, “I AM what I AM or I will be what I will be” is such a powerful name. It is a name that reflects total supremacy. GOD is and will always be GOD. “I AM” is always in the present and never changing. GOD is not governed by time because HE is eternal. HIS desire is for humans to be eternal like HIM by believing in and accepting HIS ONLY SON JESUS as their Savior. “I AM” reveals GOD’S supremacy, sovereignty and everlasting existence – omnipotence, omniscience and omnipresence. GOD revealed HIS name “YHWH” which Moses was to reveal to the Israelites.

YHWH is the sacred and Holy name for GOD. Since the Hebrew language did not contain vowels originally “Yahweh” was written “YHWH.” Originally the name “Yahweh” was translated “LORD” because it became a practice in late Judaism not to pronounce “YHWH” but to say “my LORD” or Adonai. Vowels were added to “YHWH” as a reminder for those speaking the name to say “Adonai” or Jehovah and not YAHWEH.

Christians don’t hesitate to utter “Yahweh” because JESUS taught that believers were to speak to GOD, their FATHER, in a familiar way. But always with respect and honor knowing that GOD loves and cares for them. Christians can address GOD intimately as “Abba” or “Daddy.”

Let’s read Exodus 4:10-12:
10 But Moses replied to the Lord, “Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent—either in the past or recently or since You have been speaking to Your servant[3] Moses —because I am slow and hesitant in speech.” 11 The Lord said to him, “Who made the human mouth? Who makes him mute or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now go! I will help you speak and I will teach you what to say.”

The Bible tells it like it is. Moses was still wrestling with the awesome task GOD had laid in his lap. HE referred to GOD as LORD. Moses claimed that he had a problem speaking. He thought this would be a problem with him trying to represent GOD and negotiate the release of the Israelites with Pharaoh. Some Bible scholars think that Moses was referring to his command of the Egyptian language, which he might have lost over the years. GOD tried to get him to understand that he was speaking with GOD, Who made him. HE controls all things in life and HE would help Moses speak. HE wanted Moses to realize and comprehend that he was speaking to the true GOD, creator of all things.

So often, we limit GOD’S ability to work through our lives because we get hung up on our ability or inability. We must keep in mind, when GOD calls HE also equips, trains, enlightens, empowers and prepares the way. Verse 12 says it all - "Now GO!!!"

Moses thought the success of the mission depended upon him but GOD would bring the success. GOD wanted the Israelites released more them Moses did. GOD had plans for HIS chosen people through whom HIS ONLY SON would come to earth. When GOD calls Christians to serve HIM, HE gives success. Often it is not success as the world measures success but as GOD measures success. When GOD calls, HIS chosen are to respond trusting in HIS ability and guidance. Keep in mind that Moses built an intimate relationship with GOD by serving HIM. Because of Moses’ relationship with GOD, we have the first five (5) books of the Bible and the vast insight they give us regarding GOD. Are you dependent upon your ability or GOD’S.When GOD calls you, trust HIM to accomplish the mission. Blessing