Date: 23 Aug 2002
Time: 12:40:44

Comments

I'm musing about "missing the call of God" in the ordinary and the whole "burning bush" experience. It seems to me that the text is quite clear about Moses' reaction to the burning bush he encounters. He calls it a "strange sight" (NIV). The sight of the burning bush is only the beginning of Moses' experience. Next he hears God's voice and experiences being on "holy ground", meaning that he is himself made holy by God, at least for the duration of the experience, or he would not have been able to remain.

The idea that burning bushes in the Sinai desert weren't that uncommon, as a previous contributor suggested, leads us to consider how powerful and affecting this experience would have been for Moses, even initially. Moses obtains a transformed vision of fire and one can only imagine how any burning bush, or indeed any fire, he saw from then until the end of his life would have a completely changed significance for him.

We understand this implicitly in this story and it is often reflected in our description of events in our own lives which we catagorize as "burning bush" experiences. This type of description is most often reserved for the experiences which change us, galvanize us, redirect us or illuminate us. The general understanding is that we come away from these types of experiences pointed in a new direction in our lives. A direction that, for Christians at least, is ordained by God.

Where we struggle seems to be in searching for a "burning bush" experience. Even more in our North American milleu, infused with post-modern sensibilities, people seem searching for a transformational experience. But could there be a "burning bush" event available for all to experience? I think so.

In the Revised Common Lectionary readings for September 1st, the Exodous passage we're discussing is set against Matthew 16:21-28 wherein Peter gainsays Jesus when He predicts His approaching crucifixion, earning perhaps the sharpest rebuke from Jesus experienced by anyone. (As an aside, I see Jesus rebuking Peter with ferocious love. Truly, if Jesus had not cared He would have not responded so strongly. The opposite of love is not hate, but indifference.) This takes place on the road from Galilee to Jerusalem. On this road, at every point where Roman garrisons were stationed next to towns there would have been crosses standing by the sides of the road bearing mute and terrible testimony to the consequences that awaited any who would defy the occupying government.

Jesus, Peter, James, John, all of the disciples, every Jew, every Gentile and every Roman knew what a cross was. It was an instrument of torture, death, oppression, dispair, fear, sorrow, pain and loss. No person in 1st century Palestine or even the entire Roman Empire could look upon a cross without seeing the images of executions. And if one was a member of an occupied people, very likely he or she may have known and even witnessed the execution of someone they had known upon one of these crosses.

It's hard for us to really understand how people who lived under the oppresion of the cross as a means of public execution reacted to the sight or mention of it, but if we can gain such an understanding we open ourselves up to a "burning bush" experience as we consider how God has transformed this instrument of death and dispair into the ultimate symbol of life and hope.

If we truly, honestly, deeply consider the Cross, the Way Jesus chose, we find ourselves face to face with a "burning bush" that is as profound as what Moses experienced, even more so.

We find ourselves in the very presence of God, as Moses was, we find ourselves perched on the very brink of the Holy and we see how God makes us Holy through Christ so we can enter into this sacred ground. We see transformation on a level so profound that we cannot but have Hope that we , too may be transformed. We experience a God so deeply concerned and filled with compassion for His people, His creation, that He will reserve nothing in His pursuit of reconciling us to Himself.

Others before me in this dialogue have commented on the fact that "burning bush" experiences are where you find them, if you are looking for them. They are also available for every one. God made certain of that by making the ultimate "burning bush" event accessible to all. A "burning bush" we all can share.

BJM Edmonton, AB Canada


Date: 26 Aug 2002
Time: 10:49:38

Comments

I love this passage, I have since I was a kid, I remember the Ten Commandment movie with Charlton Heston and the special effects there. Then Ted Turner's Moses that Ben Kingsley Portrayed...Think I really like Ben Kingley's Moses better! But, I digress; WoW awesome sign, defineately know when God Speaks here. I think in our world toadypeople search for signs...hmmm could be positive, however, could be negative...DOn't put so much emphasis in signs...when you look for them, won't see...Unexpected ones, like here in this passage...I fire that does not consume...In our temporal understanding sometimes cannot concieve that, moses had to go see the divine! Sometimes God speaks to people thay way, take an atheist-I know particularly, He is interesting to talk with-history buff, which I like history connecting with him, God using that to give me opportunity to gradually bring him along, he asks for prayer for legs and hearing, his sister cried and said who have done something no other preacher could do...I know it wasnt me- was Holy Spirit! I dont know why I did this I reach out automatically touch his ear (hard of hearing and prayed... He asked his elderly mom what was that Magic? His mom said not like touch from God, his legs and ears better some...Sometimes God has to use 'big burning bushes' to make some see...I know it's hard to understand why one sees without it and one doesn't. But, God knows! And no I am not turning into Oral Roberts, Marilyn Hickey, or Benny hinn, LOL I am TOO UNITED METHODIST!!! Lady Pastor in Ohio


Date: 26 Aug 2002
Time: 12:07:19

Comments

I am intrigued that it will be Labor Day weekend, and this text is about Moses encountering God at his (Moses') workplace. Maybe we can all be aware of God visiting us where we "work" - the office, store, garage, truck, car, home, school. God's call is not in a compartment of our lives - it covers every and any moment, era, event, phase, etc. Maybe we should all take off our shoes where we are and look and listen - for God calls us and makes it holy ground . just starting... JIm in CT.


Date: 26 Aug 2002
Time: 12:16:09

Comments

I am intrigued that it is Labor day weekend and here in this text God has visited Moses at work. Moses may have thought he had his career in the exciting field of sheepherding all planned out, till this day. He was coasting, not fulfilling his potential for God, and God went to him. Does God call on us - and call us - in out workplaces? In school, in the store, the shop, the car, at home? When God calls - with burning bush or some other sign, perhaps we'd best be willing to look and listen and take off our shoes, for God makes where we are holy ground - a place to answer God's call. still early in the week.,.... Jim in ct.


Date: 26 Aug 2002
Time: 18:08:11

Comments

This story is so rich, with multiple layers of meaning and possibilities for preaching. There is the larger story of Moses' own identity. Who the heck is he, he must be wondering. Born a Hebrew, raised as an Egyptian, living among the Midianites. Then in the wilderness God names him and claims him, "I am the God of YOUR father Abraham..." It is clear now who and whose he is. Out of identity comes calling. A call to serve the God who knows the people's suffering. That's our identity and our calling too. And we don't go alone. God goes with us. We fear we're not worthy, that we don't have the gifts that others have, that we don't fit the mold of "spokesperson" or "figurehead." Moses' credentials were not that he was the most likely or qualified candidate for the job. His credentials were that was willing to stop, listen and say, "Here I am." The rest is up to God.

A Pastor in MA


Date: 26 Aug 2002
Time: 18:46:14

Comments

Some sign God offers to prove it is I AM who sent Moses - After you do this, you'll worship me on this mountain. "God, is there another sign available?" That wouldn't fly in our empiricist, post-modern world, much less be convincing to the Hebrews, would it? But Moses goes in faith (after some argument).

But what a sign it really is. In the end, all the people come to the realization that it was indeed God who delivered - in the end, all worship at God's holy mountain.

Just early thoughts, don't know where it may lead.

RevKinOK


Date: 27 Aug 2002
Time: 10:58:18

Comments

A couple years ago when I took a trip to Israel and Eygpt, we stopped at St. Catherines Monestary at the base of what's reguarded as Mt Horeb. There they have a bush that tradition says is the very bush that Moses saw on fire. Down below the bush, by a stone wall, someone had placed a fire extinguisher. You have to be careful where the Holy Spirit is concerned. Moses tried to extinguish the flames with his objections. We try to extinguish the flames by denying our calling as well. I'm not gifted enough. I can't make a difference. They won't listen to me. It's not really my calling. Often in the church and in our lives, we're so afraid that the fires of faith might get out of control that we focus more on saftey than to answering God's call.

Dave in Iowa


Date: 27 Aug 2002
Time: 14:19:18

Comments

We follow the Jeremiah text, but I had to share with you something that happened last night. We had a bush in front of the church that died because of a very cold winter, and finally one of our board members was there, just finishing his work with a chain saw to cut the dead bush to the ground, when I and another board member came out from a meeting.

The first expressed some concern over the stump (or stubble, since it's only about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.) He thought maybe it should be dug out, but because there are landscaping stones around it, that would be a difficult job.

I suggested burning it, since there is very little there, and the fire would be small, unlikely to cause any damage to the brick building or the nearby landscaping.

The second board member laughed, "I don't know... A burning bush in front of the church could really get people talking!"

Michelle


Date: 28 Aug 2002
Time: 06:36:16

Comments

There is another part of this story and that is HOW Moses perceived the bush. We can look AT a bathroom mirror and see the toothpaste splatterings, etc., ON the mirror or we can look INTO the mirror and see ourselves and what is around us reflected there. I have watched people in a mall some will look at a storefront glass and see themselves reflected and will check their hair, clothes, etc., or they will look through the glass into the store and see what is there. I will let you go from here. :-) Toni


Date: 28 Aug 2002
Time: 20:11:12

Comments

I have always loved the story of Moses' encounter with God in the burning bush, and how Moses "turned aside" (RSV)to see this sight. I had a wonderful Old Testament professor who used to ask "how many bushes did God have to burn up before he found someone who would turn aside and listen?" Did God really intend for His people to languish in Egypt for 400 years? Or did it take that long to find someone who would "turn aside" and listen? Maybe the burning bush is there,if we will just "turn aside" and listen.

Blessings to all. Pastor Tom in Mesa, AZ


Date: 29 Aug 2002
Time: 11:50:41

Comments

TO PASTOR TOM IN MESA:

If God can go around and set bushes on fire without the bushes' being consumed, God can set fire to us without our being consumed! Last summer, I stood on the very spot where John Wesley's heart felt "strangely warmed" [read: set on fire]. John was not consumed by being ignited. He just burned brighter! There is hope for all of us!

Blessings,

Oklahoma Irishman


Date: 30 Aug 2002
Time: 14:16:18

Comments

Any thoughts on Holy Ground. In the igniting ministries stuff. It talks about the Holy Ground in us. I am struggling with a good definition of HOly Ground, is it only places or do we carry it with us. Maybe it is both. Holy places that feed us, and the HOly Spirit residing inside us. Yipes friday! Nancy-Wi


Date: 30 Aug 2002
Time: 14:16:58

Comments

Any thoughts on Holy Ground. In the igniting ministries stuff. It talks about the Holy Ground in us. I am struggling with a good definition of HOly Ground, is it only places or do we carry it with us. Maybe it is both. Holy places that feed us, and the HOly Spirit residing inside us. Yipes friday! Nancy-Wi


Date: 30 Aug 2002
Time: 14:17:28

Comments

Any thoughts on Holy Ground. In the igniting ministries stuff. It talks about the Holy Ground in us. I am struggling with a good definition of HOly Ground, is it only places or do we carry it with us. Maybe it is both. Holy places that feed us, and the HOly Spirit residing inside us. Yipes friday! Nancy-Wi


Date: 30 Aug 2002
Time: 21:31:00

Comments

to Nancy in Wi, The concept of Holy Ground really speaks to me through this passage. In response to your question about Holy Ground about whether it is in a place or goes with us. I would say both. If we are experiencing the holy ground that is within us, then the place where we are becomes holy ground. And if somewhere where we are feels like holy ground or sacred space that we who are experiencing it become vehicles of the Holy Ground when we allow ourselves to fully experience it. Sometimes it In my opinion it is hard to determine what stimulate holy ground. I have been fleshing it out more but, I hope this helps a little. Evie


Date: 31 Aug 2002
Time: 06:03:21

Comments

Nancy and Evie, Holy Ground is not determined by the location of a PLACE. (Moses was not at the mountaintop. He was in the middle of a bunch of sheep.) Holy Ground is not determined by the condition of a PERSON.(Moses was the son in law of a priest, not one himself. And he certainly was not out there looking or listening for God.) Holy Ground is determined by the PRESENCE of God. Wherever God is-there is Holy Ground. On Sunday I will ask the parishioners if our church is Holy Ground? That's my sermon for this week. jm in NC


Date: 31 Aug 2002
Time: 08:52:40

Comments

Labor Day and God calling Moses gives me to think about all the excuses Moses gave for NOT doing the task God asked him to do. A possible theme is "Ways to get out of work" examining the ways we use excuses just as Moses did. But let's not forget that God took each one of them and provided an alternative so Moses' excuses "died on the vine" Geo in Moline IL


Date: 31 Aug 2002
Time: 09:18:03

Comments

jm and Evie, thanks for your contributions. I think both of you helped me clarify what was rummbling in my head and heart. Visiting cathredrals and some small churches this past summer in Europe, I was surprised by the difference in "the feel of the place". Some seemed to convey the presence of God more clearly than others and it seemed evident in the people who visited. I am thinking to of Holy Wells, and other such sites. I do believe that when the presence of God is with us. We too are Holy Ground. Blessing has to do with it too. I am melding covenant, prayer, the "outside me" and now Holy Ground together. This is the last in the series preparing for 9/11 rememberance service next sunday and communion. nancy-Wi


Date: 31 Aug 2002
Time: 09:59:10

Comments

I know this is very late and folks may not read it, but I just returned from vacation last night and today am finishing tomorrow's sermon which I started before leaving. Appreciate the input from everyone. My sermon title is "When God Calls--Things Burn!" I believe when Moses encountered the burning bush and ground made holy by God's presence he came away with a burning heart. He encountered God through a bush that burned but was not consumed--and came away with a heart burning to do the work of God. Moses came away knowing he was not sufficient to accomplish this call, but believing that God IS sufficient and TOGETHER God and Moses could prevail. He came away with a heart that burned passionately for God, yet was not consumed but energized for his task. And isn't that what every Christian's call is about? Encountering God, recognizing our burning passion given by God, and going out to fulfill that passion with the help of God! Sounds like John Wesley's strangely warmed heart doesn't it?

I am pleased this Sunday is actually Labor Day. During worship we will ask folks to dedicate their work to God's glory. They have been asked to bring a symbol of the work they want to dedicate to God's glory to worship and will be given a chance to bring this symbol to the altar for prayer and dedication. Each of us will be encouraged to find the work and the ministry that causes our hearts to burn for the Lord. The bottom line is, when we find that ministry and feel that burning passion, we have encountered the burning bush. We are living in Holy Ground.

Peace, Diana at the Lakes


Date: 31 Aug 2002
Time: 10:46:31

Comments

jim in nc, I think you misunderstood what I was saying, I do agree that holy ground occurs with the presence of God, but sometimes and for some folks, it is a place that evokes or awakens God's presence, so for them that spot becomes holy ground. I am originally from NYC and was hit very hard by the attacks on the world trade center. This summer while visiting NY, on the staten island ferry, at about the spot I loved to watch the towers, something happened, between the water athe breeze and the sea gulls, God's presence was clearly there, helping me with my grief. That spot will in my opinion always be holy ground to me. Evie


Date: 31 Aug 2002
Time: 10:46:58

Comments

jim in nc, I think you misunderstood what I was saying, I do agree that holy ground occurs with the presence of God, but sometimes and for some folks, it is a place that evokes or awakens God's presence, so for them that spot becomes holy ground. I am originally from NYC and was hit very hard by the attacks on the world trade center. This summer while visiting NY, on the staten island ferry, at about the spot I loved to watch the towers, something happened, between the water athe breeze and the sea gulls, God's presence was clearly there, helping me with my grief. That spot will in my opinion always be holy ground to me. Evie


Date: 31 Aug 2002
Time: 15:29:59

Comments

As I've read this story over the years, I've come to wonder how many other people might have walked by this same bush and not seen it burning, ignored God's call, or run away.

Mark in WI


Date: 13 Oct 2002
Time: 21:01:44

Comments

So I am learning about God's name, as revealed in this text, in an online class about Christian Worldviews. We're reading a most excellent book by John Murray - The Problem of God. Murray translates this text as not just the elusive "I AM WHO I AM," but "I shall be there as who I am shall I be there." The revealing of God's name includes the promise of His presence. And, from this perspective, God is very relational and not an abstract unapproachable iam. This new look at this text is very exciting for me as it reminds us that throughout history God is relating personally to humans and equally calling us to relate personally to Him. Good stuff ...

steve the student