What if the very thing you feel unqualified to do is the thing God is calling you toward? In Exodus 3, we read the unforgettable story of Moses and the Burning Bush. It is a moment filled with fear, purpose, and God’s presence. Many of us can relate to Moses because he struggled with insecurity and doubt. Yet God still chose him to lead Israel out of Egypt. This lesson from Exodus 3 tells us that God often works through ordinary people who are willing to trust Him–one step at a time.
Lesson About Moses from Exodus 3:1-22
In this study of Moses and the Burning Bush, we see how God called an ordinary shepherd into an extraordinary mission. Moses had once lived in Pharaoh’s palace. However, his life had changed dramatically. Now he spent his days tending sheep in the wilderness of Midian.
Even so, God had not forgotten Moses. In fact, God was preparing him to become Moses the leader who would guide Israel out of slavery.
As the story unfolds in Exodus 3, we also find something very relatable. Moses immediately began making excuses.
Moses and the Burning Bush
“Now Moses was pasturing the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.
The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed.” – Exodus 3:1-2
This moment tweaks our interest. Moses saw something impossible. A bush was on fire, yet it was not burning up. Naturally, he wanted to investigate.
“So Moses said, ‘I must turn aside now and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up.’” – Exodus 3:3
Sometimes God gets our attention in unexpected ways. While most of us will never see a burning bush like this one, God still uses moments, circumstances, and convictions to draw us closer to Him.
Holy Ground
“When the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’
Then He said, ‘Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.’” – Exodus 3:4-5
This was no ordinary encounter. Moses was standing in the presence of a holy God. As a result, he reacted with reverence and fear.
“He said also, ‘I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ Then Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.” – Exodus 3:6
God then revealed His concern for His people in Egypt. He had seen their suffering, and He was ready to act.
God’s Plan for Moses
“The Lord said, ‘I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings.’” – Exodus 3:7
God cared deeply about the pain of Israel. He heard their cries, and He already had a rescue plan in motion.
“Therefore, come now, and I will send you to Pharaoh, so that you may bring My people, the sons of Israel, out of Egypt.” – Exodus 3:10
Imagine hearing those words. Moses probably felt shocked and overwhelmed. After all, he had been living quietly as a shepherd for many years.
Now God was calling him to stand before Pharaoh.
Moses: The Reluctant Leader
Moses did not feel like a hero. He did not see himself as capable or important. In his mind, he was the wrong person for the job.
“But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?’” – Exodus 3:11
We understand that feeling. We often think our abilities are too small or our weaknesses are too great.
Yet God was not asking Moses to succeed in his own strength.
“And He said, ‘Certainly I will be with you.’” – Exodus 3:12
That short statement changed everything. God’s presence would make the difference.
But God, I Can’t Do It
Have you ever said those words?
Many of us have felt God leading us toward something difficult. It may involve serving others, speaking up about our faith, or stepping into a new opportunity. Like Moses, we quickly notice our weaknesses.
Moses continued raising objections because he felt inadequate.
“Then Moses said to God, ‘Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, “The God of your fathers has sent me to you.” Now they may say to me, “What is His name?” What shall I say to them?’” – Exodus 3:13
Moses wanted answers. He wanted reassurance. However, God responded with one of the most powerful declarations in Scripture.
“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM’; and He said, ‘Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, “I AM has sent me to you.”’” – Exodus 3:14
God did not point Moses toward his own talents or abilities. Instead, He pointed Moses toward Himself.
God Will Supply What We Lack
One of the greatest lessons from the burning bush and Moses is this: God equips the people He calls.
Moses lacked confidence. He lacked leadership experience. He lacked boldness. Even so, God supplied everything he needed along the way. Later, God would provide signs, miracles, wisdom, and help from Aaron. Moses did not have to carry the burden alone.
The same truth encourages us as believers today. God never calls us to accomplish His will without also providing the strength, wisdom, and support we need.
Does that mean the journey will be easy? Of course not. However, it does mean we never walk alone.
A Quick Sidebar: Where is the Burning Bush Located Today?
Many Bible readers wonder where the burning bush event actually happened. According to Exodus 3, Moses encountered God at Horeb, often called the mountain of God. Many scholars connect this area with Mount Sinai in the Sinai Peninsula.
One possible site is near Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Egypt. Some believe the monastery preserves the region connected to Moses and the Burning Bush. While we may not know the exact location, the spiritual significance of the event remains clear.
God met Moses in the wilderness and completely changed the direction of his life.
Final Thoughts on Exodus 3
The story of Moses the leader begins with fear, uncertainty, and excuses. Yet God transformed Moses into one of the greatest leaders in the Bible.
That should encourage us. God often chooses imperfect people (like us) to accomplish His perfect plans. When we focus only on our weaknesses, we miss what God can do through us.
If God is leading you toward something difficult today, remember His words to Moses:
“Certainly I will be with you.” – Exodus 3:12
Stay tuned for more studies through the book of Exodus.
In Christ,
– Bob
To learn more about receiving the love and life-changing hope found in Jesus Christ, please take a moment to read John 3:16.
For more Bible study resources, visit Making Christ Known. You may also enjoy reading about Moses in Midian or exploring additional Old Testament Bible questions and answers.
*Verses from New American Standard Bible (NASB).
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