God Called Moses

1. Moses in Midian:
– After fleeing Egypt, Moses has settled in the land of Midian, where he is tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro.

2. The Burning Bush:
– While Moses is tending the flock, he comes to Mount Horeb (also known as Mount Sinai). There, the angel of the Lord appears to him in a burning bush that is not consumed.

3. God’s Calling of Moses:
– God calls out to Moses from the burning bush, identifying himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He tells Moses that he has seen the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt and has come to deliver them.

4. Moses’ Objections:
– Moses expresses doubts and insecurities about his ability to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He asks, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”

5. God’s Assurances:
– God reassures Moses, promising to be with him and to provide him with the necessary signs and wonders to convince the Israelites and Pharaoh.
– God also reveals his name to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM,” signifying his eternal, self-existent nature.

6. Moses’ Mission:
– God commands Moses to go to Pharaoh and demand that he let the Israelites go, so that they may worship God in the wilderness.
– Moses is to gather the elders of Israel and lead them out of Egypt to the Promised Land.

This encounter at the burning bush marks the beginning of Moses’ divine calling to lead the Israelites out of their bondage in Egypt and to the land God had promised to their ancestors. Despite his initial doubts, Moses ultimately obeys God’s command, setting in motion the events that will culminate in the Exodus.