Encountering God: Our Call to Compassion and Action
Summary
This morning, we began by acknowledging the pain and loss in our world—both personal and communal. In the face of tragedy, like the devastating floods in Texas and the heartbreak at Camp Mystic, we are reminded of the importance of prayer and the call to expand our hearts beyond our own needs. As we mature in faith, our prayers should increasingly reflect God’s heart for the world, interceding for those who suffer and for situations that seem beyond our control. God is not distant from our pain; He is present, attentive, and compassionate toward the cries of the brokenhearted.
Turning to Exodus 3, we entered the story of Moses and the burning bush—a moment that reveals how God meets us in the ordinary and invites us into holy ground. Moses, a simple shepherd at this point, is drawn by God’s prevenient grace, encountering the divine not because of his qualifications, but because God initiates relationship. The burning bush is a reminder that God often speaks first, drawing us closer, and that every encounter with Him is sacred. We are challenged to approach God with reverence, recognizing the holiness of His presence even in the mundane moments of our lives.
God’s call to Moses is clear: He hears the suffering of His people and desires to deliver them, using Moses as His instrument. This is not just Moses’ story—it is ours. God still hears the cries of the lost and oppressed today, and He sends us to bring His message of hope and freedom. Like Moses, we often respond with questions and excuses: “Who am I?” “What if they don’t believe me?” “I’m not a good speaker.” Yet God’s answer is always, “I will be with you.” Our calling is not based on our abilities, but on God’s presence and power.
God equips us for the mission. While we may not perform miracles like Moses, our transformed lives, our love, and the indwelling Holy Spirit are living testimonies to the truth of the gospel. God does not require eloquence—He desires obedience. Even when we hesitate, He provides help, community, and the words we need. The story of Moses is a mirror for us: hesitant, unqualified, but chosen and sent. We are called to step out in faith, trusting that God will use our weakness to display His strength, and that every gospel conversation can become holy ground where lives are changed.
Key Takeaways
- God Meets Us in the Ordinary and Makes It Holy
God often reveals Himself in the everyday moments of our lives, inviting us to recognize His presence and respond with reverence. Before we do anything for Him, we must first encounter Him—just as Moses did while tending sheep. Every moment can become holy ground when we are attentive to God’s voice and presence. This challenges us to slow down and approach God with awe, even in the midst of our routines. [12:40]
- God Hears the Cries of the Oppressed and Sends Us
God is not indifferent to suffering; He sees, hears, and knows the pain of His people. He desires to bring deliverance, and He chooses to work through ordinary people like Moses—and like us. Our mission is to carry the message of hope to those in spiritual bondage, trusting that God’s compassion compels us to act. We are sent as His ambassadors, not because we are worthy, but because He is faithful. [16:12]
- Our Calling Is Rooted in God’s Presence, Not Our Qualifications
When Moses questioned his worthiness, God’s response was not a list of Moses’ strengths, but the promise of His presence: “I will be with you.” Our effectiveness in sharing the gospel does not depend on our eloquence, knowledge, or confidence, but on God’s abiding presence and the power of the Holy Spirit within us. This truth frees us from self-doubt and invites us to step out in faith, knowing we are never alone. [18:24]
- God Equips Us and Validates the Message Through Transformed Lives
Moses feared rejection and doubted his ability to convince others, but God provided signs and wonders to validate His message. Today, our transformed lives, the love we show, and the work of the Holy Spirit are powerful testimonies to the reality of Christ. We need not fear rejection; our role is to faithfully share, trusting God to do the convincing and the saving. [28:15]
- Obedience Matters More Than Eloquence—God Uses Our Weakness
God does not require perfect words or flawless delivery; He desires willing hearts. Like Moses, we may feel inadequate or hesitant, but God promises to be with us, to teach us, and to provide help through community. Our weakness becomes the stage for God’s strength, and our obedience opens the door for Him to work through us in ways we could never imagine. [43:14]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Gratitude and Grief: Personal and Communal Loss
[03:10] - Praying for Camp Mystic and the Flood Victims
[07:46] - The Power of Gospel Conversations
[09:43] - Encountering God: Moses and the Burning Bush
[12:40] - Holy Ground: Reverence in God’s Presence
[13:22] - God Meets Us in the Ordinary
[14:08] - God Sees, Hears, and Responds to Suffering
[16:12] - Moses’ Calling and Our Mission
[18:24] - “Who Am I?”: God’s Presence Overcomes Insecurity
[20:17] - The Authority of “I AM” and Our Gospel Authority
[24:01] - Moses’ Excuses and God’s Equipping
[28:15] - Testimony: The Power of a Changed Life
[30:25] - God’s Power in Our Weakness
[32:54] - Community and Help for the Mission
[34:54] - Applying Moses’ Story to Our Lives
[43:14] - Obedience Over Eloquence: God’s Promise Today
[45:52] - Closing Prayer and Sending Forth
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
Exodus 3:1–15 (ESV)
Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
Then the Lord said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. And now, behold, the cry of the people of Israel has come to me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”
Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘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, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.”
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### Observation Questions
1. What was Moses doing when God appeared to him, and how did God get his attention? ([07:46])
2. What did God say about the suffering of His people in Egypt, and what was His plan? ([14:08])
3. How did Moses respond when God called him to go to Pharaoh, and what was God’s answer? ([18:24])
4. What signs did God give Moses to help convince the Israelites and Pharaoh? ([26:12])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chose to reveal Himself to Moses in such an ordinary moment, while he was tending sheep? What does this say about how God works in our everyday lives? ([12:40])
2. When God says, “I will be with you,” how does that address Moses’ fears and insecurities? How might this promise change the way someone views their own calling? ([18:24])
3. Moses made several excuses for why he couldn’t do what God asked. What do these excuses reveal about his view of himself and of God? ([30:25])
4. The sermon mentioned that God’s presence and power, not our abilities, are what matter most. How does this challenge the way people often think about serving God or sharing their faith? ([19:26])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon began by talking about pain and loss in our world, and the importance of praying for others, not just ourselves. How can you expand your prayers this week to include those who are suffering, even if you don’t know them personally? ([04:04])
2. Moses encountered God in the middle of his daily routine. What are some “ordinary” places or moments in your life where you might be missing God’s presence? How can you slow down and pay attention to God in those moments? ([13:22])
3. God told Moses, “I will be with you.” Is there an area in your life where you feel unqualified or afraid to step out in faith? What would it look like to trust God’s presence in that situation? ([18:24])
4. The sermon said our transformed lives and the love we show are powerful testimonies. Can you think of a time when someone noticed a change in you because of your faith? How did you respond? ([28:15])
5. Moses worried about not being a good speaker, but God just wanted his obedience. Is there something you feel God is asking you to do, but you’re hesitating because you don’t feel “good enough”? What is one step you could take this week to obey, even if you feel weak? ([31:44])
6. The sermon talked about the importance of community and helping each other in our mission. Who is someone in your life that you can encourage or support as they try to share their faith? How can you do that this week? ([34:54])
7. Every gospel conversation can become “holy ground.” Is there someone you sense God might be prompting you to talk to about faith? What would it look like to approach that conversation with reverence and trust in God’s presence? ([43:14])
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Devotional
Day 1: God Meets Us in the Ordinary and Calls Us to Holy Ground
God often meets us in the midst of our everyday routines, revealing His holiness and purpose in unexpected ways. Like Moses tending sheep, we may feel our lives are too ordinary for God’s attention, but He invites us to recognize that every moment can become holy ground when we turn aside and listen for His voice. Before we do anything for Him, we must first encounter Him—pausing to acknowledge His presence and approach Him with reverence, not casualness. When we realize we are speaking to the Creator of the universe, our posture changes, and we are drawn into deeper relationship and purpose. [12:40]
Exodus 3:1-6 (ESV)
Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
Reflection: Where in your daily routine might God be inviting you to “turn aside” and recognize His presence as holy ground today?
Day 2: God Hears the Cry of the Oppressed and Sends Us
God sees, hears, and knows the suffering of His people, and He responds by sending deliverers—ordinary people like Moses, and like us. The world is still in spiritual bondage, and God’s heart is moved by the cries of the lost and hurting. He calls us to be part of His mission, to bring hope and freedom through gospel conversations. Our prayers are not empty words; they reach the living God who is attentive and compassionate, and He desires to use us as His instruments of deliverance in our communities and beyond. [15:23]
Exodus 3:7-10 (ESV)
Then the Lord said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. And now, behold, the cry of the people of Israel has come to me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.”
Reflection: Who in your life or community is suffering or spiritually lost, and how might God be prompting you to pray for them or reach out today?
Day 3: Our Calling Is Rooted in God’s Presence, Not Our Qualifications
When God calls us, our first response is often, “Who am I?”—focusing on our inadequacies and fears. Yet God’s answer is always, “I will be with you.” Our ability to fulfill His calling does not depend on our skills, eloquence, or confidence, but on His presence and power. Even when we feel unqualified or afraid, God promises to go with us, equipping us through His Spirit and providing what we need to accomplish His purpose. [18:24]
Exodus 3:11-12 (ESV)
But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”
Reflection: What is one area where you feel unqualified or afraid to serve God, and how can you lean into His promise to be with you in that area today?
Day 4: God’s Authority and Power Validate Our Message
God does not send us out on our own authority; He sends us in His name, with His power and presence. Like Moses, we may fear rejection or doubt that others will believe us, but God equips us with the Holy Spirit and the testimony of transformed lives. Our changed hearts, our love, and the Spirit’s work in us are living evidence of the gospel’s truth. We are not responsible for the outcome—only for faithful obedience in sharing what God has done. [27:18]
Exodus 4:1-5 (ESV)
Then Moses answered, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you.’” The Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A staff.” And he said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses ran from it. But the Lord said to Moses, “Put out your hand and catch it by the tail”—so he put out his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his hand— “that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.”
Reflection: What is one way your life has been changed by God that you can share as a testimony to someone this week?
Day 5: Obedience Is Greater Than Eloquence—God Uses Willing Hearts
God does not require perfect words or flawless delivery; He desires hearts that are willing to obey. Even when we hesitate, make excuses, or feel inadequate, God provides help—through His Spirit and through community. He gives us new hearts, fills us with His Spirit, and promises to teach us what to say. Our obedience, not our eloquence, is what God uses to bring hope and transformation to others. [43:14]
Ezekiel 36:26-27 (ESV)
And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.
Reflection: What step of obedience—no matter how small—can you take today to share God’s love or truth with someone, trusting Him to use your willingness?
Quotes
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