Have you ever heard of a bush that talks to you? Probably not. Although some Christians or so-called Christians/groups have reported some pretty bazaar things in their circles such as this. But if we are to believe this account in the bible, this bush did talk. It had something to say and it said it to Moses.
Actually, it wasn't the bush that talked, but the angel of the Lord that was within it. Moses saw that the bush was on fire, but it was not burning up, like a bush on fire normally would. So he decided to check it out. And that is when God called his name. "Moses. Moses." Who responded with, "Here I am." God told him not to come any closer to the bush, but to take off his sandals because he was standing on holy ground, and then God tells him, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob."
You see, the Israelite's had suffered at the hands of the Egyptians as their slaves for many years and now God wanted Moses to go to Pharaoh and have them released from the oppression that they had known. And this burning bush was God's way of letting Moses know that he was the one chosen to do his bidding for his people.
By this account and others, we know that God can manifest himself in whatever way he chooses. Did he do it this way for Moses, to get his attention. Probably. But also in chapter 33:20 God tells him: "..you can not see my face, for no one can see me and live."
Moses was not allowed to see God and so this was God's way of letting him know what he wanted to do about getting the Israelite free from the Egyptians.
At the same time, God is referenced here as an angel of the Lord as well. The NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible states this: "As else where in the OT(e.g.,Gen 22:11-18, Judges 13) this character is closely identified with God himself, reflected here in the interchangeable us of 'the Lord' (vv 4,7) and 'God' (vv.4, 5,6) that immediately follows. His manifestation of flames forms a strong link with the sign of God's presence elsewhere in the book.."
And so if you ever see a bush that is on fire but not actually burning, it may just be the angel of the Lord. It probably isn't going to happen that God will ever show himself to us in this manner. But then who knows: Anything is possible.....
Today's bible reference: Exodus 3:2-7
September 9, 2019 Promise: Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
Hello Friends. Thanks for coming by. Next up on our study of who the angel of the Lord is, will be Moses and the pillar of cloud. God bless!
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