How should we respond when God reveals Himself in unexpected ways like Exodus 3:3? A God Who Surprises Exodus 3:3: “So Moses thought, ‘I must go over and see this marvelous sight. Why is the bush not burning up?’ ” God literally set a bush ablaze without consuming it, drawing Moses into a life-changing encounter. He still reveals Himself in ways we don’t expect, and our response matters. First Step: Notice the Unusual • Moses was tending sheep—an ordinary day—yet he stayed alert enough to see “this marvelous sight.” • 1 Kings 19:11-12 shows Elijah hearing God not in wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a “gentle whisper.” Unusual forms demand spiritual attentiveness. • Ask: Am I racing past the “burning bushes”—the sudden conviction, providential meeting, or Scripture that leaps off the page? Slow down and look. Second Step: Draw Near with Reverence • Exodus 3:4: “God called to him from within the bush, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he answered, ‘Here I am.’” • James 4:8: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” • Approach, but recognize holiness. Verse 5: “Do not come any closer… remove your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” – Reverence keeps curiosity from sliding into casualness. – Practical response: set aside distractions, quiet your heart, honor His presence. Third Step: Listen Before You Act • God explains His plan (Exodus 3:7-10) before Moses does anything. • Luke 10:39 records Mary “sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to His word.” Listening precedes serving. • Build the habit of opening Scripture and letting God speak before forming your own agenda. Fourth Step: Obey, Even When It Stretches You • Moses objects (Exodus 3:11, 13; 4:1, 10), but God answers each fear. • John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • Obedience often involves risk, relocation, or reputational cost—yet it’s the pathway to seeing God’s power. Fifth Step: Worship and Witness • Exodus 4:31: Israel’s elders “believed” and “bowed down and worshiped” after hearing Moses’ report. • Psalm 40:3: “He put a new song in my mouth… many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.” • Share the story; God uses testimonies of unexpected encounters to strengthen others. Putting It All Together 1. Stay alert for divine interruptions. 2. Approach with holy awe. 3. Listen carefully to God’s word. 4. Obey, even when it feels impossible. 5. Respond in worship and tell others. When God reveals Himself in ways we would never script, these steps keep our hearts open, humble, and ready—just like Moses before the blazing, unconsumed bush. |
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