Call of Moses, one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, is revered not only as a prophet but also as a symbol of courage, obedience, and leadership. His life and mission are filled with incredible events that shaped the course of history. One of the most defining moments of Moses’ life is his call by God, an encounter that occurred on the slopes of Mount Horeb, also known as Mount Sinai. This story, found in the Book of Exodus, offers powerful lessons about faith, obedience, and divine purpose.
The Context Israel in Bondage
Before diving into the specifics of Moses’ call, it’s important to understand the historical context. The Israelites, descendants of Abraham, had been living in Egypt for several centuries. Initially, they were welcomed with open arms due to their ancestor Joseph, but over time, the Israelites became enslaved by the Egyptians. The situation became increasingly dire, and the Israelites cried out to God for deliverance. This is the backdrop against which Moses’ story begins.
Moses was born during a time when the Pharaoh had issued a decree to kill all male Hebrew children. To save him, his mother placed him in a basket and set him adrift on the Nile River. Pharaoh’s daughter discovered him, and Moses was raised as an Egyptian prince. Despite his royal upbringing, Moses never forgot his Hebrew roots. After witnessing the oppression of his people, he killed an Egyptian taskmaster who was abusing a Hebrew slave. Fearing for his life, Moses fled to the land of Midian, where he began a new life as a shepherd.
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The Call of Moses A Burning Bush
Moses was tending his flock in the wilderness near Mount Horeb when something extraordinary happened. While walking through the desert, he encountered a bush that was on fire but was not consumed by the flames. The sight was so unusual that Moses approached it, curious to understand the phenomenon.
It was at this moment that God called out to Moses from the bush, saying, “Moses, Moses!” (Exodus 3:4). Startled, Moses responded, “Here I am.” This marked the beginning of the divine call. God instructed Moses to take off his sandals because he was standing on holy ground, signaling the sacredness of the moment and the presence of the divine.
As the conversation unfolded, God revealed His identity to Moses as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God of his ancestors. This was a moment of great significance, as Moses’ own heritage and lineage were tied to the very God who now spoke to him. The divine encounter was not just a simple revelation, but an invitation to Moses to play a central role in the fulfillment of God’s promises to His people.
The Commission A Reluctant Leader
God then outlined His plan: He had seen the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt, and He was about to deliver them. God had chosen Moses to be the one to lead the Israelites out of bondage and into the Promised Land. The task was monumental, and Moses responded with hesitation, expressing doubt about his ability to carry out such a monumental mission. He asked, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11). Moses was not a seasoned leader; he had fled Egypt years before, and he felt inadequate for the job.
God’s response was simple yet profound: “I will be with you.” This promise of divine presence was at the heart of Moses’ call. It was not about Moses’ ability but about God’s power to accomplish His will through him. God reassured Moses by saying that when the Israelites were freed, they would worship God on that very mountain.
Moses, still uncertain, asked for God’s name. The answer he received was both mysterious and profound: “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). This declaration affirmed the eternal, self-sufficient nature of God. It was a reminder to Moses that God’s identity was not defined by human understanding or circumstances, but by His own divine nature and authority.
Also Read Bible Commentary on Exodus 4 24 26 – The Mysterious Encounter with God
The Reluctance Continues
Even after receiving this assurance from God, Moses continued to resist. He doubted his ability to convince the Israelites or Pharaoh, and he feared that they would not listen to him. He also expressed concern about his speech, saying he was not eloquent enough to be an effective spokesperson. God, however, continued to provide answers to Moses’ objections. He promised to help Moses speak and even provided Moses’ brother, Aaron, as a spokesman.
Moses’ reluctance highlights an essential aspect of the call to leadership: the journey often begins with uncertainty, doubt, and feelings of inadequacy. Moses’ initial reluctance mirrors the struggles many of us face when we are called to step out of our comfort zones and take on roles of responsibility or leadership. But through Moses’ story, we see that God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called.
The Significance of Moses’ Call
Moses’ call is significant for several reasons. First, it marks the beginning of the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Through Moses, God would demonstrate His power, perform miracles, and establish a new covenant with His people. The Exodus is one of the most defining events in the history of Israel, shaping their identity as a nation.
Second, the call of Moses shows us the nature of God’s relationship with His people. God is not distant or unconcerned with human suffering. He sees the pain of His people and intervenes in their lives. His call to Moses is a demonstration of God’s willingness to use ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.
Lastly, Moses’ call illustrates the theme of divine patience. God did not give up on Moses when he hesitated or expressed doubt. Instead, God worked with Moses, gently guiding him to embrace his role as leader. This teaches us that God is patient with our fears and struggles, and He empowers us to fulfill His will, even when we feel unprepared.
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Conclusion A Call to All
The call of Moses is not just a story about an ancient prophet. It is a timeless message about God’s ability to use imperfect individuals for His purpose. Moses was hesitant, flawed, and uncertain, yet God used him to accomplish one of the greatest acts of deliverance in human history. Just as God called Moses to lead His people, He calls each of us to play a part in His plan. Whether through small acts of faith or large steps of leadership, God’s call can be heard by anyone willing to listen and respond.
The call of Moses reminds us that we are never alone in our journey. No matter how daunting the task may seem, God’s presence and guidance are always with us. Like Moses, we may feel unworthy or incapable, but God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. The question is not, “Can I do it?” but “Will I trust God to do it through me?”
People Also Ask
What is the significance of the burning bush in Moses’ story?
The burning bush is a symbol of God’s presence and holiness. It was the medium through which God spoke directly to Moses, revealing His identity and calling him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The bush was not consumed by the flames, representing God’s eternal and unchanging nature, and the sacredness of the moment. Moses was instructed to remove his sandals because he was standing on holy ground, emphasizing the divine nature of this encounter.
Why did Moses hesitate to accept God’s call?
Moses hesitated due to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. He questioned his ability to convince both the Israelites and Pharaoh to follow him. He also expressed concerns about his lack of eloquence, fearing that he would not be able to speak effectively. Despite these doubts, God reassured Moses by promising to be with him and providing his brother Aaron as a spokesperson. Moses’ reluctance highlights the common human experience of feeling unworthy or ill-equipped for a significant task, but God empowers those He calls.
What does God mean when He says, “I AM WHO I AM”?
When God says, “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14), He is revealing His eternal, self-sufficient nature. This name, often referred to as the Tetragrammaton (YHWH), signifies that God is not dependent on anything or anyone. He exists independently and is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This declaration emphasizes that God’s identity is not defined by human understanding or circumstances but is based on His own eternal, unchanging essence.
What does Moses’ interaction with Pharaoh teach us?
Moses’ interaction with Pharaoh teaches us about the power of perseverance and obedience to God’s command. Despite Pharaoh’s refusal and the escalating difficulty of the task, Moses remained faithful and obedient to God’s will. This persistence, even in the face of resistance, led to the eventual liberation of the Israelites. It emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the face of opposition and trusting that God’s plan will come to fruition in His timing.