What does an ancient story about a royal-turned-shepherd and a miraculous brush fire have to do with your life today? Let’s find out.
Have you ever felt unqualified for something? Moses, the main human character in this story, knew what that was like.
This famous Bible story shows us how we can bravely step into the calling that God has placed on our lives today.
I hope it helps you find peace, strength, and confidence in God.
Where Is This Story in the Bible?
The story of Moses and the burning bush is found in Exodus 3-4. But before we get to that, let’s go back to the end of the previous book, Genesis.
At the end of the book, Joseph, a Hebrew, worked as a royal official in Egypt and brought his large extended family to live in Egypt, too. The story of Exodus begins hundreds of years later. By this time, the Hebrews had multiplied into a nation of people, and a new dynasty ruled in Egypt—one with no sentimental or positive historical ties to Joseph’s people.
In Exodus 1, Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, feels threatened by the growing Hebrew population. He orders for the Hebrews to be enslaved and for every newborn Hebrew boy to be thrown into the Nile River.
In Exodus 2, a Hebrew woman places her newborn in a basket and sets him afloat on the Nile, in an attempt to save his life. Not long after, he’s found by Pharaoh’s daughter, who chooses to raise him and name him Moses.
Moses grows up in the royal family. But everything changes when, as an adult, he defends a Hebrew slave who is being beaten by an Egyptian. Moses kills the Egyptian and flees to the wilderness, where he becomes a shepherd in a small region called Midian. There, he finds a wife and has children.
But while Moses lives in the countryside, his people continue to suffer in Egypt. Exodus 2 closes with this line:
So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them. Exodus 2:25 NIV
From there, Exodus 3 begins with Moses encountering the burning bush.
A Summary of the Moses and the Burning Bush Bible Story
- Moses is out in the wilderness when he sees a bush on fire that doesn’t burn up.
- Moses approaches the bush, and God calls out to him.
- God calls to Moses from within the bush and tells him to take off his sandals, because the ground on which he’s standing is holy.
- God tells Moses that He’s heard the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt, and that He has a plan to save them.
- God tells Moses to go to Pharaoh to liberate the Hebrews.
- God gives Moses different signs and wonders he can use to convince the Israelites and Pharaoh that he’s been sent by God, such as his staff turning into a snake when thrown down.
- Moses is hesitant to do as God asked, believing he doesn’t have the public speaking skills necessary to accomplish this mission. He even asks God to send someone else.
- God tells Moses that his brother Aaron will help him with this mission.
- Moses obeys God, and he and his wife and children travel back to Egypt.
Key Bible Verse
But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.” Exodus 3:11-12 NIV
A Deeper Dive Into the Story
I’ll ask again: Have you ever felt unqualified for something you’ve felt called to?
Moses could relate. When God called Moses to liberate his people, Moses struggled with having enough confidence and faith to step into what God was calling him to.
We see many different instances of Moses’ doubt in Exodus 3-4:
- But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” Exodus 3:11 NIV
- Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?” Exodus 4:1 NIV
- Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” Exodus 4:10 NIV
- But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” Exodus 4:13 NIV
Over and over again, Moses questioned whether or not he was capable or qualified. Yet, God met Moses where he was and gave him what he needed to complete the mission set forth for him. He even sent Moses’ brother, Aaron, to help him.
Have you doubted God’s goodness or His plan for your life? We have a loving God who responds to our weakness with love and patience. He provides us with the tools and strength we need to obey and serve Him.
This story gives us the courage to step into what God is calling us to do today.
This story gives us the courage to step into what God is calling us to do today. This doesn’t mean we won’t meet challenges and obstacles along the way (Moses certainly did), but it does mean that we can trust God’s will and that He will use our obedience for His good.
Why Is This Story in the Bible?
Want to know the three most mentioned names in the whole Bible? Jesus, David, and Moses. You’ll find Moses’ name throughout the Bible because his story forms the foundation of ancient Israel’s faith and culture. If you want to understand the Bible, you need to know Moses.
After encountering the burning bush, Moses oversees the Hebrews’ escape from Egypt, their formation of a unique identity and religious customs, and their eventual spread throughout the Levant.
One reason God’s people have found this story so meaningful is because of how it demonstrates God’s heart for people in crisis. Throughout the history of God’s people, they faced many invasions and suffered under foreign rulers. During those times of suffering, this story reminded them that God sees their suffering and would work to undo unjust systems and heal victims of injustice.
What Does This Story Teach Us?
God is patient with us in our fear. Moses asked God if He could send someone else instead of him. God responded by providing Moses with what he needed (including help from his brother Aaron) to accomplish his mission.
God is with us in our mission. God walks alongside us, giving us the strength and courage we need to fulfill His plans and mission.
And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.” Exodus 3:12 NIV
“Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Exodus 4:12 NIV
His plan is better than ours. Even though Moses was fearful, God had better plans for the Hebrews. He wanted to bring them out of their misery and into a land flowing with milk and honey—a paradise.
“‘And I have promised to bring you up out of your misery in Egypt into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites—a land flowing with milk and honey.’” Exodus 3:17 NIV
Why Is This Story Important Today?
If God is calling you to do something but you feel unqualified, it’s okay to be afraid—but remember, God is with you.
Your insecurities and your past don’t disqualify you from being used for God’s good.
Moses was an imperfect person with baggage and insecurities. Yet, God loved him and used him for His great plan. Your insecurities and your past don’t disqualify you from being used for God’s good.
You can rest assured, if you are seeking God and want to use your life to glorify Him, He will use you. He will give you the strength, resources, and bravery you need to follow your calling. You can lean on Him and trust that His timing and plans are always best. It won’t always be easy, but it will always be worth it.
If you struggle with feeling unsure about your purpose, rest assured: God has a purpose for your life. Spend time in prayer with Him, and ask Him how you can use your time, talents, and resources to serve Him and make a difference.
Common Questions About Moses and the Burning Bush
What does “holy ground” mean in this story?
“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Exodus 3:5 NIV
God called to Moses from within the burning bush, and His presence made the ground holy. Holy means set apart and spiritually significant. When Moses removed his sandals, this was a sign of reverence.
What did God call Moses to do?
God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, where they were enslaved.
What made Moses hide his face at the burning bush?
Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God. Exodus 3:6 NIV
Moses may have hidden his face because he felt an overwhelming sense of unworthiness in the presence of God.
Reflect or Discuss
- What is God calling you to do that scares you?
- How can you take a step of faith in the pursuit of your calling?
- Have you surrendered to God’s plan for your life?
We’d love to pray for you!
If you would like to read the whole book of Exodus, you can start in Exodus 1.