How does God's presence in Exodus 3:2 inspire reverence in our worship today? Encountering the Holy in Exodus 3:2 “ ‘There the Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire from within a bush. Moses looked and saw that the bush was on fire but was not consumed.’ ” What the Burning Bush Reveals about God’s Presence • Supernatural reality—fire without fuel underscores God’s self-existence (Psalm 90:2) • Purity and holiness—fire both illuminates and purifies (Malachi 3:2–3) • Mercy within majesty—the bush is preserved; judgment is restrained (Lamentations 3:22) Why This Inspires Reverence in Worship Today 1. Awe at His holiness • Hebrews 12:28–29: “our God is a consuming fire,” so worship “with reverence and awe.” • Isaiah 6:1–5 shows similar fiery holiness, prompting confession. 2. Humility before His greatness • Moses later removes his sandals (Exodus 3:5), modeling humble approach. • James 4:10: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” 3. Confidence in His nearness • The Angel of the LORD stands in the flame, not at a distance (Psalm 34:18). • Matthew 28:20: “I am with you always,” joining holiness with intimacy. 4. Expectation of transformation • Fire refines; God’s presence reshapes character (2 Corinthians 3:18). • Romans 12:1 urges us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices—our “burning bush” response. Practical Ways to Cultivate Reverence • Begin gatherings with Scripture that exalts God’s holiness (e.g., Psalm 99). • Provide moments of silence, reflecting Moses’ pause. • Use songs emphasizing God’s majesty (“Holy, Holy, Holy,” Revelation 4:8). • Encourage physical expressions—standing, kneeling, lifted hands—as modern “sandals off.” • Guard against casual language about God; speak His name with honor (Exodus 20:7). Living the Burning Bush Reality • Carry awareness of His indwelling Spirit wherever you go (1 Corinthians 6:19). • Let His holy fire purify attitudes and actions daily (1 Peter 1:15–16). • Share testimonies of God’s preserving grace, just as the bush remained intact (Psalm 66:16). God’s fiery yet preserving presence calls us to gathered and personal worship marked by awe-filled reverence, humble surrender, and confident joy, just as Moses experienced at that unlikely altar of desert scrub. |
    |