Encountering God's Holiness: The Burning Bush Experience
Summary
### Summary
In today's exploration of Exodus 3, we delve into the profound encounter between Moses and God at the burning bush. Moses, who has been shepherding in the wilderness for 40 years, stumbles upon Mount Horeb, also known as Mount Sinai. Here, he witnesses a bush that burns without being consumed, a powerful symbol of God's presence. This divine encounter is rich with symbolism, revealing God's nature as both accessible and mysterious. The burning bush signifies God's merciful approachability, drawing near to Moses, while simultaneously representing His awe-inspiring holiness.
God instructs Moses to remove his sandals, a gesture of reverence and acknowledgment of holy ground. This act also symbolizes Moses finding his true home with God, despite feeling like an alien in human communities. The repetition of Moses' name by God signifies an intimate relationship, emphasizing that God knows and desires closeness with him. This duality of God's nature—both inviting and intimidating, comforting and disturbing—is a central theme.
The sermon concludes by reflecting on the holiness of God, which is beyond human comprehension. While we use terms like shepherd, friend, or king to understand God, these terms can sometimes limit our perception of His true essence. The Chronicles of Narnia's depiction of Aslan, the lion, captures this tension well: Aslan is not safe, but he is good. Similarly, our intimacy with God begins with recognizing His holiness and otherness. This sets the stage for further exploration of Moses' journey and our own understanding of God's nature.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Burning Bush as a Symbol of God's Presence:
The burning bush that Moses encounters is a profound symbol of God's presence. It reveals God's merciful approachability, as He comes down from the mountain to meet Moses. At the same time, the inextinguishable flame represents God's awe-inspiring holiness, which is both dangerous and attractive, frightening and comforting. This duality is essential in understanding the nature of God. [02:57]
2. Removing Sandals as a Gesture of Reverence and Homecoming:
When God instructs Moses to remove his sandals, it is a gesture of reverence for the holy ground. This act also symbolizes Moses finding his true home with God, despite feeling like an alien in human communities. In many cultures, removing shoes signifies being at home, and for Moses, this moment marks his spiritual homecoming. [06:56]
3. Intimacy with God Through Repetition of Names:
The repetition of Moses' name by God signifies an intimate relationship. In Hebrew culture, doubling a name expresses deep intimacy and closeness. This moment highlights that God knows Moses personally and desires a close relationship with him. It is a powerful reminder that God seeks a personal connection with each of us. [10:01]
4. Balancing God's Holiness and Approachability:
Understanding God's nature involves balancing His holiness and approachability. While we use terms like shepherd, friend, or king to relate to God, these terms can sometimes limit our perception of His true essence. Recognizing God's holiness and otherness is crucial for a deeper relationship with Him. This balance is beautifully illustrated in the Chronicles of Narnia, where Aslan is not safe but is good. [13:44]
5. Holiness as the Essence of God's Nature:
Holiness is the fundamental essence of God's nature. It is the infinitely high and noble quality that defines who God is and how He reveals Himself to us. True intimacy with God begins with acknowledging His holiness and not trying to reduce Him to our own terms. This recognition leads to a more profound and authentic relationship with God. [15:46]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:30] - Introduction to Moses' Story
[02:57] - The Burning Bush
[04:49] - Symbolism of Fire in God's Presence
[05:56] - God's Dual Nature: Revealing and Hiding
[06:56] - Removing Sandals: Reverence and Homecoming
[10:01] - Intimacy Through Repetition of Names
[11:37] - The Tension in God's Nature
[12:42] - Reading the Text: Exodus 3
[13:44] - Balancing God's Holiness and Approachability
[15:46] - Holiness as God's Essence
[17:02] - Closing Remarks and Upcoming Services
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 3:1-6 (NIV)
> Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” 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.
2. Genesis 15:17-18 (NIV)
> When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram and said, “To your descendants I give this land, from the Wadi of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates.”
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Moses doing when he encountered the burning bush? ([01:30])
2. Describe the burning bush and why it caught Moses' attention. ([02:57])
3. What did God instruct Moses to do when he approached the burning bush, and why? ([06:56])
4. How does the repetition of Moses' name by God signify their relationship? ([10:01])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the burning bush symbolize about God's nature, and how does it reveal both His approachability and holiness? ([05:56])
2. How does the act of removing sandals serve as a gesture of reverence and signify Moses finding his true home with God? ([06:56])
3. In what ways does the repetition of names in Hebrew culture express intimacy, and how does this apply to God's relationship with Moses? ([10:01])
4. How does the story of the burning bush illustrate the balance between God's holiness and approachability, and why is this balance important for a deeper relationship with Him? ([13:44])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence in a powerful way. How did it change your perception of His holiness and approachability? ([05:56])
2. In what ways can you show reverence for God's presence in your daily life, similar to Moses removing his sandals? ([06:56])
3. How can you cultivate a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, recognizing His call to you personally, as He did with Moses? ([10:01])
4. What are some practical steps you can take to balance your understanding of God as both a friend and a holy, awe-inspiring being? ([13:44])
5. How does acknowledging God's holiness influence your worship and daily interactions with Him? ([15:46])
6. Think of a situation where you felt like an outsider or alien. How can finding your true home in God provide comfort and direction in such times? ([08:56])
7. How can the story of the burning bush inspire you to seek God's presence in unexpected places and moments in your life? ([02:57])
Devotional
Day 1: The Burning Bush as a Symbol of God's Presence
The burning bush that Moses encounters is a profound symbol of God's presence. It reveals God's merciful approachability, as He comes down from the mountain to meet Moses. At the same time, the inextinguishable flame represents God's awe-inspiring holiness, which is both dangerous and attractive, frightening and comforting. This duality is essential in understanding the nature of God. The burning bush signifies that God is both near and far, accessible yet beyond our full comprehension. This encounter invites us to reflect on how we perceive God's presence in our own lives and how we balance the comfort of His nearness with the reverence due to His holiness. [02:57]
Exodus 3:2-3 (ESV): "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.'"
Reflection: How do you experience God's presence in your daily life? Can you identify moments where you felt both comforted and awed by His holiness?
Day 2: Removing Sandals as a Gesture of Reverence and Homecoming
When God instructs Moses to remove his sandals, it is a gesture of reverence for the holy ground. This act also symbolizes Moses finding his true home with God, despite feeling like an alien in human communities. In many cultures, removing shoes signifies being at home, and for Moses, this moment marks his spiritual homecoming. This act of removing sandals is a powerful reminder that in God's presence, we find our true home and identity. It calls us to approach God with reverence and to recognize that our ultimate belonging is with Him. [06:56]
Joshua 5:15 (ESV): "And the commander of the Lord's army said to Joshua, 'Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.' And Joshua did so."
Reflection: What are some ways you can show reverence to God in your daily life? How can you make your home a place where God's presence is honored and felt?
Day 3: Intimacy with God Through Repetition of Names
The repetition of Moses' name by God signifies an intimate relationship. In Hebrew culture, doubling a name expresses deep intimacy and closeness. This moment highlights that God knows Moses personally and desires a close relationship with him. It is a powerful reminder that God seeks a personal connection with each of us. This intimacy is not just about knowing our names but about knowing us deeply and personally. It encourages us to seek a deeper relationship with God, where we are known and loved for who we are. [10:01]
Isaiah 43:1 (ESV): "But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'"
Reflection: How do you feel knowing that God knows you personally and calls you by name? What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him today?
Day 4: Balancing God's Holiness and Approachability
Understanding God's nature involves balancing His holiness and approachability. While we use terms like shepherd, friend, or king to relate to God, these terms can sometimes limit our perception of His true essence. Recognizing God's holiness and otherness is crucial for a deeper relationship with Him. This balance is beautifully illustrated in the Chronicles of Narnia, where Aslan is not safe but is good. This duality invites us to approach God with both confidence and reverence, acknowledging His greatness while embracing His love. [13:44]
Isaiah 6:3 (ESV): "And one called to another and said: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!'"
Reflection: How do you balance the understanding of God's holiness and His approachability in your life? What practices can help you maintain this balance in your daily walk with God?
Day 5: Holiness as the Essence of God's Nature
Holiness is the fundamental essence of God's nature. It is the infinitely high and noble quality that defines who God is and how He reveals Himself to us. True intimacy with God begins with acknowledging His holiness and not trying to reduce Him to our own terms. This recognition leads to a more profound and authentic relationship with God. By understanding and respecting God's holiness, we can approach Him with the reverence and awe that He deserves, deepening our spiritual journey and connection with Him. [15:46]
1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV): "But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you acknowledge and honor God's holiness in your life? How can this recognition transform your relationship with Him and your daily actions?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When it comes to intimacy with God, which I think most of us want to have. Right. When it comes. We have to know that it begins with coming to terms with the holiness of God. Holiness is the very first of all the nature of God. It is the infinitely high and noble essence of what God is and how God reveals God's self to us." [15:46] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And so Moses is out shepherding. He happens upon this mountain. He's looking up at it, I guess. And he's watching a sheep. And then suddenly he sees something, something burning and it gets his attention. It's a bush. It's a burning bush. But what really gets his attention about about this is that even though this bush is burning, which he's, I'm sure, seen before, it's not being consumed." [02:57] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And so here at the foot of the mountain, Moses, the alien, the foreigner, has at last found a true home. Moses find his true home, not with humans, but with God." [10:01] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And so any time you want to emphasize something in Hebrew, you double it. You repeat it. But when you double a name, it is a way of expressing intimacy, the depth of a relationship." [10:01] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "It reveals God because this ever burning shrubbery out in the wilderness next to the holy mountain signals God's merciful accommodation. God draws near to us. God comes down from the mountain to meet Moses in the bush. But at the same time, this flame that was kept on burning this in an inextinguishable flame is a sign of God's awesomeness in his powerful holiness." [05:56] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And so Moses is. Moses is not fully home anywhere in any human community. And so remember, taking off one's sandals is a gesture in many traditional cultures. Even even today, it's a it's a it is a sign of being at home. You take off your shoes, your your home." [08:56] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And so this is this is God that draws near. But it's also a God who is mysterious and holy. And all these words play together in tension with one another. Like I mentioned earlier, you know, it's a dangerous and attractive, frightening and comforting, untamed. But at the same time, it's reassuring its comforts and disturbs. That is the presence of God." [11:37] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "But what's important to know here is that in the ancient world, mountaintops were the traditional dwelling places for the divine. That's where God was." [02:57] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And so here for God to say, Moses, Moses was his way of saying, I know you, Moses, and I want to be close to you." [10:01] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?