Embracing God's Call: Commitment and Transformation

 

Summary

In the narrative of Moses and the burning bush, a profound message is conveyed about commitment, identity, and the nature of God. The story unfolds with Moses encountering God in the form of a burning bush that is not consumed by the flames. This miraculous sight captures Moses' attention, and God calls out to him, initiating a dialogue that would change the course of history.

Moses, once a prince of Egypt, now a humble shepherd, is called by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. Despite his initial reluctance and self-doubt, Moses questions his own worthiness and ability to carry out such a monumental task. He asks, "Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?" This reflects a common human experience of feeling inadequate when faced with a significant challenge or calling.

God's response to Moses is both reassuring and empowering. He promises His presence, saying, "I will be with you," and reveals His name as "I AM WHO I AM." This declaration of God's self-sufficiency and eternal existence offers Moses the assurance that he will not be alone in his mission. God is not dependent on anything or anyone; He is the ultimate source of existence and power.

The narrative emphasizes the importance of commitment and surrender to God. It is highlighted that younger generations often hesitate to make commitments for fear of missing out on other opportunities. However, the story suggests that failing to commit to God results in missing out on the fullness of life and blessings that come from serving Him wholeheartedly. Commitment to God is portrayed as a pathway to experiencing His favor and understanding His character.

The act of showing up, being present in a community of faith, and engaging in worship and fellowship is also underscored. It is through these practices that individuals can grow in their knowledge of scripture and deepen their relationship with God. The story of Moses serves as an example of how God uses ordinary people to fulfill His extraordinary plans. Despite Moses' objections and feelings of inadequacy, his willingness to say "yes" to God leads to the liberation of the Israelites and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

God's plan is also seen as one that involves not only delivering His people from physical bondage but also transforming their identity. As the Israelites journey out of Egypt, they are shaped into a people who serve the Great I AM, the all-sufficient God who answers prayers and shows up for His people.

The message concludes with a call to surrender at the foot of the cross, to lay down one's burdens and receive God's forgiveness and love. It is a reminder that when individuals surrender to God, He takes care of the rest, using even the broken parts of their lives for good. The story of Moses is a testament to God's redemptive power and His desire to work through those who are willing to trust Him and commit their lives to His purposes.

Key Takeaways:

- The story of Moses and the burning bush teaches that God's presence accompanies His callings. When faced with a daunting task, the assurance that "I will be with you" provides the strength and confidence needed to move forward. This promise is not just for biblical figures but for anyone who feels called to a purpose beyond their own abilities. God's presence is a constant, guiding force that can transform reluctance into action. [48:07]

- God's self-revelation as "I AM WHO I AM" is a profound statement of His self-sufficiency and eternal nature. This name encompasses the totality of God's being and His independence from creation. It is a reminder that God is the ultimate source of all existence and that His presence in one's life is the foundation upon which true identity and purpose are built. [49:38]

- Commitment to God is not a limitation but an opening to the fullness of life. The fear of missing out can lead to a lack of commitment, but this narrative illustrates that true fulfillment comes from a dedicated relationship with God. Committing to God means embracing the journey He has planned and trusting in His provision and guidance. [01:01:21]

- Regular participation in communal worship and study is essential for spiritual growth. Just as Moses needed to be in God's presence to receive his calling, individuals today need to engage with a community of believers to deepen their understanding of God and His word. This commitment to fellowship and learning is crucial for nurturing one's faith. [01:03:20]

- God's redemptive work often involves using broken individuals for His purposes. Moses' past mistakes did not disqualify him from being used by God. This serves as an encouragement that no matter one's history, God is able to redeem and use each person for good, turning what was meant for harm into a story of grace and transformation. [57:29]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 3:10-15
- "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt." 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." Moses said to God, "Suppose 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?' Then what shall I tell them?" God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'" God also said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites, 'The LORD, 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, the name you shall call me from generation to generation."

#### Observation Questions
1. What was Moses' initial reaction when God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt? ([40:45])
2. How did God respond to Moses' question about his own worthiness to appear before Pharaoh? ([41:35])
3. What name did God reveal to Moses, and what is its significance? ([48:55])
4. How does the story of Moses and the burning bush illustrate God's self-sufficiency and eternal nature? ([49:38])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Moses felt inadequate to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, despite his background as a prince of Egypt? ([43:11])
2. How does God's promise "I will be with you" provide reassurance to Moses, and how can it apply to us today? ([48:07])
3. What does the name "I AM WHO I AM" reveal about God's character and how does it contrast with human limitations? ([50:26])
4. In what ways does the story of Moses emphasize the importance of commitment and surrender to God? ([01:01:21])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt inadequate for a task or calling. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Moses' experience? ([43:55])
2. How can you remind yourself of God's promise to be with you in your daily life, especially when facing challenges? ([48:07])
3. What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of God's self-sufficiency and eternal nature in your personal faith journey? ([50:26])
4. How can you overcome the fear of missing out on other opportunities to make a stronger commitment to God? ([01:01:21])
5. In what ways can you actively participate in communal worship and study to grow spiritually? ([01:03:20])
6. Think of a past mistake or failure. How can you trust in God's redemptive power to use even the broken parts of your life for good? ([57:29])
7. What specific actions can you take this week to surrender your burdens at the foot of the cross and receive God's forgiveness and love? ([01:06:17])

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing God's Presence in Our Callings
When God calls us to a task that seems beyond our capabilities, it's natural to feel overwhelmed. Yet, the story of Moses and the burning bush teaches us that God's presence accompanies His callings. The assurance that "I will be with you" is not just a comforting phrase; it's a promise of divine companionship that provides the strength and confidence needed to move forward. This promise is not exclusive to biblical figures; it extends to anyone who feels called to a purpose beyond their own abilities. God's presence is a constant, guiding force that can transform reluctance into action, and it is this divine presence that enables us to step out in faith, even when the path ahead is uncertain. [48:07]

Exodus 33:14 (ESV)
"And he said, 'My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'"

Reflection: What daunting task is God calling you to today, and how can you lean on His promise of presence to start taking the first steps?

Day 2: The Foundation of God's Eternal Nature
The revelation of God as "I AM WHO I AM" to Moses is a profound statement of His self-sufficiency and eternal nature. This name encompasses the totality of God's being and His independence from creation. It is a reminder that God is the ultimate source of all existence and that His presence in one's life is the foundation upon which true identity and purpose are built. Understanding God's eternal nature helps us to trust in His unchanging character and to find our own identity in relation to the eternal God, rather than the shifting sands of the world's expectations and our own limitations. [49:38]

Psalm 90:2 (ESV)
"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God."

Reflection: How does recognizing God as the eternal "I AM" influence your understanding of your own identity and purpose?

Day 3: The Fullness of Life Through Commitment to God
Commitment to God is often misunderstood as a limitation, but in reality, it is an opening to the fullness of life. The fear of missing out can lead to a lack of commitment, but the narrative of Moses illustrates that true fulfillment comes from a dedicated relationship with God. Committing to God means embracing the journey He has planned and trusting in His provision and guidance. It is through this commitment that we experience the richness of life that God intends for us, a life marked by purpose, direction, and a deep sense of belonging to something greater than ourselves. [01:01:21]

Hebrews 11:8 (ESV)
"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going."

Reflection: What fears or hesitations are holding you back from fully committing to God, and how can you begin to overcome them?

Day 4: Nurturing Faith Through Communal Worship
Regular participation in communal worship and study is essential for spiritual growth. Just as Moses needed to be in God's presence to receive his calling, individuals today need to engage with a community of believers to deepen their understanding of God and His word. This commitment to fellowship and learning is crucial for nurturing one's faith. It is in the context of community that we are challenged, encouraged, and held accountable. It is where we learn to live out the teachings of scripture and to support one another in our spiritual journeys. [01:03:20]

Colossians 3:16 (ESV)
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

Reflection: How can you more actively engage in your faith community to foster both your personal growth and the growth of others?

Day 5: God's Redemptive Work Through Brokenness
God's redemptive work often involves using broken individuals for His purposes. Moses' past mistakes did not disqualify him from being used by God. This serves as an encouragement that no matter one's history, God is able to redeem and use each person for good, turning what was meant for harm into a story of grace and transformation. Our brokenness is not a barrier to God's work; rather, it can become a canvas for His redemptive artistry. When we offer our broken pieces to God, He creates a masterpiece that reflects His glory and tells a story of redemption. [57:29]

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Reflection: In what ways do you feel broken or inadequate, and how can you offer these areas to God to be used for His redemptive purposes?

Quotes

1) "God is his own fuel. God is I am, all powerful. I don't need a bush as fuel to burn. So when the bush is gone, the fire goes out. Not God. He just is, all powerful." [53:02] (Download)

2) "God says, 'I am all sufficient. I don't need anything else. I wasn't created by anybody else. I just am.' Do you get how important the name of God is?" [54:41] (Download)

3) "If God is all sufficient, we aren't, which means we have to surrender our lives to Him. That might be a scary thing for some people, but for Moses, it was like, 'I don't care about what questions I have to ask anymore.'" [56:13] (Download)

4) "God redeems us, God loves us, God uses us for his purposes... Joseph reminds his brothers, 'You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.' All of this, God intends for good." [58:14] (Download)

5) "God tells him, 'I will be with you.' Those are some of the most comforting words in scripture, are they not? 'I will be with you.' If God calls us to something, God is with us." [48:07] (Download)

6) "When we commit to God, he takes care of the rest. Praise the Lord because I make terrible plans... When we come to this place, God begins to reveal things to us." [01:02:00] (Download)

7) "God might send us to our neighbor next door... God's got a plan, and God will deliver his people... God is going to deliver Egypt out of the Israelites. They are going to become His people." [01:05:30] (Download)

8) "God says, 'I'll tell you who you are. You're a child of the Great I Am. You are loved by me. I am with you all the time. You're a servant of mine now, Moses.'" [59:52] (Download)

9) "When we don't make commitments to things because we're afraid to miss out on something, we miss out on everything. If we never commit to God, we miss out on all of the favor and blessings of God." [01:01:21] (Download)

10) "God says, 'I am who I am.' This is my eternal name, my name to remember for all generations... God is all existent... He says, 'I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.'" [51:16] (Download)

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Transcript
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