Are you familiar with the story of encounter between Moses and the burning bush? What lessons does it teach us?
In this article, discover 5 of them.
But first, let’s get to know Moses.
Who Was Moses?
Moses’ name was derived from the Hebrew and Aramaic term Mosheh, which means “one drawn out.” This was based on the Egyptian mś or mśw, meaning “child,” “son,” or “the one born of”1.
As a significant biblical figure, Moses is commonly identified as a Hebrew prophet, religious leader, and lawgiver2.
He played a crucial role in leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai (Exodus 3–34).
His Story
Before encountering the burning bush
Moses was born during a time when male Hebrew infants were ordered to be killed. To save him, his mother hid him in a basket and set him adrift in the Nile River.
He was then discovered by Pharaoh’s daughter, who adopted him (Exodus 2:1-10).
Moses grew up in the palace. But upon discovering his Hebrew heritage, he killed an Egyptian taskmaster, whom he saw beating a Hebrew slave. Guilty, he fled to the wilderness (verses 11-15).
In the wilderness, Moses settled in Midian and married Zipporah, the daughter of a priest (verses 16-22).
The burning bush encounter
While tending sheep in the mountains of Midian, Moses encountered a burning bush that was not consumed by the fire.
Can you imagine that?
Anyway, God spoke to him through that bush, revealing Himself and commissioning him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
Moses was hesitant and feeling unworthy at first but he accepted the calling, knowing God would be with him (Exodus 3:1-10).
5 Relatable Lessons to Learn From Moses and the Burning Bush
1) God has a purpose for all of us.
In Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV), God declares, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
With this, God chose Moses, despite his initial reservations and self-perception, for a specific purpose—to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and fulfill a significant role in the history of salvation (Exodus 3:10, 6:6-7).
The same goes for all of us. No matter who we are, where we are, or what we do, God has great plans for us.
2) Communication with Him is essential.
In Philippians 4:6 (NIV), we are reminded, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
In the burning bush encounter, Moses engaged in a dialogue with God. This sets an example for us to approach Him with our concerns, seeking guidance and deepening our relationship through prayer.
3) Stay close to Him.
James 4:8 (NIV) encourages us, “Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
Moses’ closeness to God was not only physical but also spiritual. It allowed for a profound relationship that emphasizes the importance of staying close to Him in our daily walk.
4) Stay faithful to Him.
Moses’ journey involved tests and challenges, yet he remained faithful to God.
True enough, “without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6, NIV).
With that, Moses’ unwavering faith, especially in challenging times, serves as a timeless lesson for us to stay faithful to God’s commands.
5) Rest assured He will guide and empower us.
Moses’ reliance on God’s guidance and empowerment is a reassuring lesson for us.
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV) assures us, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Just as God guided Moses through the challenges of leading the Israelites, we can rest assured that He will provide guidance and empowerment in our own journeys.
Share Your Thoughts
What are your thoughts about this article?
Share them with us in the comments below.
14 Responses
Thank you for this simple But profound explanation I am encouraged may I diligently learn, understand, and faithfully do God’s Will and purpose for my life
May our Lord Jesus grant you the desire to gain wisdom and live in accordance with God’s will, Mwelase.
This was so encouraging,,,thank you for the lessons
Yes it is, Ronah. Every story in the Bible was written to help us understand who God is, who we are, and how God intends for us to live.
Thank you for this detailed explanation. At times, I wonder what my purpose is and what God wants be to do for Him. I will remain patient, still and will continue to listen out for Him, Amen!
Its so so amazing I have learnt that I should ask God to reveal his calling for me
Indeed this is wonderful teaching,well explained.i have learnt that yo maintain vthe relationship with God I need to stay closer to him
Thank you! This is so inspiring. I thank God for this method for the whole world to hear His message. May you be blessed!
How do we come to know God’s will? Moses had so much responsibility as a leader. The time on the mountain was so dramatic, as was his return to his people. Moses knew what he was to do, when he came down off the mountain. How do we know what to do if we are visioning in a small church?
The Love of God is so great, thanks so much for this, it gives me inspiration to love God and help others who are lost in faith. Also to assist those who have broken relationships. Moses had show us the way to God if we are lost in our lives, we can turn to God for help to amend our relationship with our spouses, families and friends. Through the Burning Bush we can cultivate our broken relationship. I thank God for Moses by his encounter with Him through the burning bush.
Can I use this article to compliment a sermon?
Thank very much for opening my mind through Moses lessons, I was always listening to reply and today I got a good lesson that I must listen to understand and be faithful to God.
Thanks for the update
May God bless you abundantly
Amen Lord!
Amen!
God Is Great!