MIRACLES: THE BURNING BUSH

By Greg Russell | Renovate Church—Centennial, CO

This week, we’re diving into Exodus 3, and looking at the iconic story of Moses and the burning bush:

Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire within a bush. Moses saw that the bush was on fire, yet it did not burn up. So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.”

When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!”

And Moses said, “Here I am.”

“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God. — Exodus 3:1–6

A bush on fire that isn’t consumed is undeniably a miracle. Whenever God suspends the laws of nature like this, He does it with a distinct purpose.

The Context Behind the Calling

To understand why God appeared here, we have to look back at the big picture. God chose Abraham and his descendants to bring His name to the entire world. Through a miraculous intervention when Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90, Isaac was born. Isaac had Jacob (later named Israel), who had 12 sons—the 12 tribes of Israel.

Eventually, through Joseph, the entire family relocated to Egypt during a famine. Over time, though, the Israelites became enslaved to the Egyptians, and they remained that way for 430 years.

By the time of Exodus 3, God is calling Moses to deliver His people out of bondage. Moses had a complex history: born a Hebrew, raised as an Egyptian prince, and then forced to flee to Midian after killing an Egyptian who was harming a Hebrew. He spent the next 40 years living as a humble shepherd—an occupation detested by the Egyptians. Now, at 80 years old, God meets Moses on a mountain, and sends him back to Egypt to fulfill a massive destiny.

While the technical details of this miracle are fascinating, the personal side carries powerful truths for our lives today. We all face “burning bush” moments where God calls us to something larger than ourselves. Here are four essential lessons we learn from Moses’ encounter:

1. Don’t Let Your Past Define You

Moses felt he had every reason for shame or inadequacy. He had been raised in Egyptian royalty, but now he was doing shepherd’s work. On top of that, he was a criminal in Egypt—he had killed a man and fled for his life.

Yet, Moses didn’t let his past define his calling, and neither should you. Whatever you’ve done, whatever you’ve been through, or whatever mistakes lie in your background: God can use anyone who surrenders to His will.

2. Pay Attention

You can’t respond to a burning bush moment if you aren’t paying attention. Moses had to give the bush more than just a passing glance to realize it was on fire without being consumed. He stopped and leaned in.

God doesn’t speak to everyone in the exact same way. Some people get a dramatic sign, while others hear from God through a quiet impression, a scripture passage, or during worship. Don’t put God in a box or try to force a specific “template” on how He speaks. Pay attention to how He wants to speak to you. He will reveal Himself to anyone who takes the time to listen.

3. Don’t Resist

Once Moses realized God was calling him, the excuses began. Moses resisted God’s call five different times:

1. “Who am I?” (Focusing on his own limitations)
2. “Who are you / What is your name?” (Uncertainty about identity)
3. “What if they don’t believe me?” (Fear of rejection)
4. “I am not eloquent / I don’t speak well.” (Focusing on lack of talent)
5. “Please send someone else.” (Flat-out resistance)

Notice how God answered his very first excuse (“Who am I?”): He didn’t encourage Moses, telling him that he was talented, powerful, or even capable. Instead, God said, “I will be with you.”

It isn’t about your skill, your ability, or your self-reliance—it’s about God’s presence and His calling. True humility recognizes our weaknesses without shame, and healthy faith trusts that God provides the strength. Don’t let your self-doubt turn into resistance.

4. Trust God

Despite his hesitation, Moses ultimately trusted God enough to step out in obedience—and history was changed. The children of Israel were delivered, brought to the Promised Land, and God’s name was made known to the world.

Trusting God isn’t a one-time decision. Moses had to choose to trust Him again and again when things got hard in the wilderness. When you are following God, you can trust Him no matter how difficult your current situation looks. We only see what is right in front of us, but God is like a master chess player who sees the end of the game before it even starts. He is already at the finish line!

The Refiner’s Fire and the Other Side of the Wilderness

In Scripture, fire often represents God’s presence, but it also symbolizes trial and refinement. In Isaiah 43:2b, God promises: “When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

We see this literally with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, but we also experience it spiritually. God often uses seasons of difficulty—the “refining fire”—to purify our faith, strip away the dross, and build mature character within us.

Notice where Moses met God: at Horeb, on the far side of the wilderness.

If you feel like you are in a wilderness season right now, take heart: God is on the other side of your wilderness. His manifest presence is waiting there, ready to speak to you, refine you, and guide your next steps.