Shemot (Exodus 1:1 – 6:1)
“The angel of the Lord appeared to him (Moses) in a fire blazing from the middle of a bush. He looked and saw that although the bush was flaming with fire, yet the bush was not being burned up. Moses said, ‘I’m going to go over and see this amazing sight and find out why the bush isn’t being burned up’” (Exodus 3:2-3).
In Exodus 3:1 the Torah reveals that Moses is on the very mountain that he will eventually lead the children of Israel to – the place where the power and condescending presence of the Lord will be manifest, and His Word revealed – Mt. Horeb. Yet, as Moses tends the sheep of his father in law Jethro, the Lord quietly appears in a bush, with the appearance of fire. Rabbinic tradition explains that Moses had left the flock of Jethro in order to find one lost lamb (cf. Luke 15:4-7), and that his care for the lost sheep indicated that he was ready to shepherd the children of Israel. Further, the Torah is careful to record that Moses “looked and saw” the burning bush, causing him to turn aside to investigate. As followers of Messiah, we learn valuable lessons from this event.
Daily life can be filled with many distractions, whether they be from employment, family, or personal struggles. There always seems to be something in need of our attention; and in the turbulence of life, our ability to discern the Lord’s voice can be overcome by many other voices.
The Bible is filled with miraculous demonstrations of the Lord’s power. For those observing the parting of the Sea of Reeds (Red Sea), there was little doubt as to the Lord’s presence. When the sun stood still for Joshua, it confirmed that the sovereign Lord heard his prayer. When Elijah called down fire from heaven to defeat the priests of Ba’al, this also confirmed the Lord answers prayer. The record of miraculous events continues in the New Testament with demonstrations of healing and resurrection, and the atoning work of Yeshua/Jesus. Miracles are the work of the sovereign Lord, but is this how He desires to regularly speak with His people?
The episode of Moses reminds us of the quiet, abiding presence of the Lord – the “I Am” (Ex. 3:14). The Lord did not begin his conversation with Moses by calling him to the bush, no, Moses had to notice the fire. Much like the remembrance of Hanukkah, the miracle at work here is subtle. The oil of the Menorah that lasted eight days burned but was not consumed. To look at the Menorah one would not notice a miracle taking place, unless one first turned to give attention. The burning bush burned, but was not consumed – a strange, but subtle sight to behold.
Moses had to experience the quiet voice of the Lord, and learn to recognize it, before the chatter of the children of Israel overwhelmed him. Elijah, having defeated the priests of Ba’al in a miraculous demonstration of God’s power, fled to Horeb because of the voice of Jezebel. And at Horeb, Elijah did not find the Lord in the wind, earthquake, or fire; but in the “still small voice” (1 Kgs. 19:11-12).
While miracles are wonderful gifts from the Lord, a confirmation of His abiding presence, His desire is that His people would learn to listen to His voice – in the quiet – through prayer and reflection on His Word.
The episode with Moses, and even Elijah, remind us that we must give attention to life around us, beyond what is consuming our focus. God is still working among His people, often in glorious ways, yet we must take the time to notice, turn, and discern what He is doing in that moment. As followers of Messiah we must learn to hear and recognize the voice of our Shepherd before we enter the storms of life, or experience the thunder and earthquakes of His condescending presence – and His miraculous manifestations. As Messiah said, “My sheep listen to my voice, I recognize them, they follow me, and I give them eternal life” (Jn. 10:27). Moses knew the voice of his Shepherd, and his Shepherd led him on the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
By the Holy Spirit, we will learn to recognize and hear His voice, as we pray, reflect on and study His Word – the record of His voice. Listening in the quiet, allows us to hear Him in the noise.
Shalom;
Dr. J.D. Elwell
In this reading I notice that both Moses and Elijah go to “Mt. Horeb and Horeb” are these both the same place ? If so , is there a significance ? Moses was there tending sheep, but Elijah “fled” there to get away from Jezebel. Elijah knew it was a “safe” place , but Moses was already in a “safe place”. And both times whether because of searching (Moses for the lamb) or fleeing (Elijah from fear perhaps ?)They both found what or more aptly WHO – they were seeking, BUT the key (for me) is they were both searching in the same place ( Where He can be found).
Blessings Liz, I addressed this very idea in my December 16th Hanukkah message posted on my Facebook page. You have made some excellent observations! Shalom, JDE
Thank you, Rabbi Justin Elwell. Through both portion I could see God speaking to me, in still voice as to Moses. I am sure I am in safe place of Great I AM.
Shalom Rabbi,
This is exactly what I was looking for … answer to my question, answer to my prayer as well. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for the kind words.