How does Exodus 3:3 connect to God's revelation in other biblical encounters? Setting the Scene “So Moses thought, ‘I must go over and see this marvelous sight. Why is the bush not burning up?’ ” (Exodus 3:3) Moses’ Curiosity Mirrors Other Encounters • The unusual sight drew Moses; throughout Scripture God uses the unexpected to capture attention. • Samuel heard his name called at night (1 Samuel 3:3–4). • Saul saw a blinding light on the Damascus road (Acts 9:3–4). Fire as an Ongoing Symbol of Divine Presence • Unconsumed bush: holiness that does not annihilate the called one (Exodus 3:2). • Pillar of fire: guidance and protection (Exodus 13:21). • Fire on Sinai: covenant and law (Exodus 19:18). • Fire from heaven at Carmel: vindication of true worship (1 Kings 18:38). • Tongues of fire at Pentecost: indwelling Spirit empowering witness (Acts 2:3). Invitation to Draw Near, Yet Reverence Required • Moses had to turn aside before hearing God’s voice; approach precedes commission (Exodus 3:4). • Joshua met the Commander of the LORD’s army and removed sandals on holy ground (Joshua 5:14–15). • Isaiah beheld the LORD, confessed unclean lips, then received cleansing and mission (Isaiah 6:5–8). Commission Follows Revelation • Moses: sent to deliver Israel (Exodus 3:10). • Gideon: called to save from Midianites after the angelic fire consumed the offering (Judges 6:21, 14). • Jeremiah: appointed as prophet after the LORD’s touch (Jeremiah 1:9–10). • The disciples: commanded to preach after Christ’s transfiguration glory (Matthew 17:5, 19:28). Holiness Paired with Mercy • Bush burns yet remains: God’s righteous presence alongside sustaining grace. • Fiery furnace: God present with the faithful, flames powerless to destroy (Daniel 3:25–27). • Consuming fire and mercy kiss at the cross, where judgment falls on Christ yet believers stand unconsumed (Hebrews 12:29; 1 Peter 2:24). Continuity into the New Covenant • Exodus 3:3 launches a redemption that culminates in Christ, the ultimate revelation (Hebrews 1:1–2). • Just as Moses turned aside, believers are invited to “fix our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2). • The abiding, non-consuming fire now lives within through the Holy Spirit, sealing and sanctifying (1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Thessalonians 2:13). |
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