Exodus 3:4's link to God's other calls?
How does Exodus 3:4 connect to God's calling of other biblical figures?

The Burning Bush Encounter

Exodus 3:4: “When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from the midst of the bush, ‘Moses, Moses!’ ‘Here I am,’ he answered.”


Patterns in God’s Calling

• God takes the first step

• He addresses the individual by name

• A specific task is given

• Reassurance of His presence accompanies the call


Personal Name and Double-Call

• Moses: “Moses, Moses!” (Exodus 3:4)

• Abraham: “Abraham, Abraham!” (Genesis 22:11)

• Samuel: “Samuel, Samuel!” (1 Samuel 3:10)

The repeated name signals urgency, intimacy, and an unmistakable summons.


Divine Initiative and Human Response

• Abraham obeys and leaves his homeland (Genesis 12:1-4)

• Gideon, though hesitant, answers after “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior” (Judges 6:11-14)

• Isaiah responds, “Here am I. Send me!” after his vision of God’s holiness (Isaiah 6:8)

In each scene, God initiates; the servant answers, often with “Here I am” or its equivalent, echoing Moses’ words.


Location Made Holy

• Burning bush: “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground” (Exodus 3:5)

• Bethel: Jacob calls the place “house of God” after God speaks (Genesis 28:16-17)

• Temple vision: Isaiah stands before the throne and seraphim (Isaiah 6:1-4)

Where God speaks becomes sacred, underscoring His presence at the moment of commission.


Commission with Assurance

• Moses: “I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12)

• Jeremiah: “Do not be afraid… for I am with you” (Jeremiah 1:8)

• Paul: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” followed by instructions (Acts 9:5-6)

God’s assurance of His presence equips the called to face overwhelming tasks.


Echoes in the New Testament

• Peter and Andrew: Jesus calls, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19)

• Paul: Light from heaven, personal address—“Saul, Saul” (Acts 9:4)

The same pattern of divine initiative, personal address, and life-altering commission continues.


Core Links Between Exodus 3:4 and Other Callings

• Personal, repeated name = intimate summons

• God sees and selects before the servant is even aware

• Immediate acknowledgment: “Here I am”

• Holiness of the moment marked by God’s presence

• Clear mission paired with promise of divine companionship


Takeaways for Today

• God still initiates relationship and purpose

• He knows each name personally

• His presence remains the ultimate qualification for any assignment

What can we learn from Moses' response, 'Here I am,' in our lives?
Top of Page
Top of Page