What can we learn from Moses' encounter with God in the wilderness? An Ordinary Workday, an Extraordinary Appointment Exodus 3:1: “Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.” • God meets people in the routine. Moses was simply “shepherding the flock,” not fasting on a mountaintop or staging a revival. • Scripture repeatedly shows vocation as the stage for revelation: Gideon threshing wheat (Judges 6:11), Elisha plowing (1 Kings 19:19), Peter mending nets (Luke 5:1-11). • Faithfulness in humble tasks positions a heart to hear. Compare Luke 16:10; Psalm 78:70-72—God looks for steady shepherds to trust with greater responsibility. The Wilderness Classroom • Forty years earlier Moses thought he was ready to lead (Exodus 2:11-15; Acts 7:23-25). The Midian desert became God’s graduate school. • Deuteronomy 8:2—wilderness seasons test, humble, and teach dependence. • When life feels like a detour, remember God wastes no geography; He forges character where comfort is scarce. Horeb—Past, Present, Future • Horeb means “desolate place,” yet Scripture calls it “the mountain of God.” The most barren settings can host the richest communion. • Moses will return here with Israel to receive the Law (Exodus 3:12; 19:1-20). Today’s encounter previews tomorrow’s mission. • God often bookmarks locations for unfolding revelation—think Bethel for Jacob (Genesis 28:10-22; 35:1-15). God’s Initiative, Our Response • Moses “came to Horeb,” but God ignites the bush (v. 2). Salvation, calling, and sanctification all begin with divine initiative (John 15:16; Romans 8:30). • Our part: turn aside and listen. Verse 3 records Moses deciding, “I will go over and see.” Small acts of attention open doors to life-altering dialogue. Preparation Before Proclamation • Shepherding taught Moses: – Patient guidance of wayward sheep—skills transferable to leading Israel (Numbers 27:15-17). – Navigating rugged terrain—mirrors future wilderness journeys. – Protecting the flock—foreshadows intercession and spiritual warfare (Exodus 32:9-14). • God forms leaders privately before unveiling them publicly—see David (1 Samuel 17:34-37) and Paul’s desert years (Galatians 1:17-18). Takeaways for Today • Expect God in the commonplace; no task is too menial for a miracle to break in. • Embrace the wilderness as God’s shaping tool rather than evidence of His absence. • Trust that present faithfulness is seed for future assignment; God is writing continuity into your story. • Stay sensitive; a subtle “burning bush” may be the preface to a greater commission. The God who met Moses amid dust and sheep still speaks, still calls, and still turns desolate places into holy ground. |
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