Moses never expected to encounter a burning bush out in the wilderness. I’m sure the consequences that followed this experience bewildered him even more. It’s unlikely he ever considered returning to Egypt. Only a fool would take such a risk. However, now God asks him to do that very thing. Who was he to confront Pharaoh, demanding his peoples’ release? No wonder Moses felt unprepared and ill equipped when this divine encounter transformed into a holy assignment. Only God knew better.
Every episode in Moses’ life to that point enabled him to develop the specific qualities needed for the job. He had intimate understanding of the culture of the Egyptian elite since he spent his early years in Pharaoh’s household. Yet he also knew his Hebrew family because his mother served as his wet nurse until he was two years old. After he fled Egypt, he learned how to survive in the wilderness herding his father-in-law’s sheep. All these life experiences gave him the leadership skills to confront Pharaoh then lead the Hebrews out of Egypt and through the wilderness to the Promised Land.
No one was better equipped for this job than Moses. Though at that time, he didn’t recognize the hand of God directing and preparing him every step of the way. Moses questioned God during their burning bush conversation. He offered a number of arguments to dissuade Him, even asking God to send someone else. However, by the end, Moses agreed to return only if he shared leadership with his brother Aaron (who already happened to be on his way to meet him). With the help of many supernatural signs and wonders, they succeeded in convincing Pharaoh to let their people go.
I will be the first to admit that I’ve never seen a burning bush-not anything even close. In my experience, God’s voice is much more subtle though just as persuasive. Over the years, He has placed people in my life directing me towards missions. Not one but numerous individuals personally asked me to volunteer or work in the mission field.
For a long time, I ignored them by making excuses. ‘I’m too busy.’ ‘Ask me when my children are older.’ ‘Who me? I don’t know anything about tropical medicine.’ All of these are valid points. Even so, God didn’t give up until I gave in. What followed for me were various opportunities to serve in the Ecuadorian Andes, Haitian villages and the Indianapolis inner-city. Every step of the way, God prepared me for the task ahead. I may have felt ill equipped but His hand led me through the unsure waters swirling at my feet.
God creates every individual with unique potential. In His providence, He sets up circumstances to reveal the special gifts endowed to each one of us. But we all have a choice. When a divine encounter becomes a holy assignment, we have the option to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Moses had to hold out his staff first before the waters of the Red Sea parted for the Hebrew people to cross. He chose to step out into the water. Is today the day to say ‘yes’ to the holy assignment designed just for you?
