December 3, 2023 | Doug Sauder
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Have you ever had a conversation or encounter that changed your life? In part three of our study through Exodus, we’ll unpack Exodus 2:21–3:15 and explore the encounter that changed Moses’ life and the whole world: meeting God in the burning bush!
Below, you’ll find some key discussion points to consider, questions to personally reflect on and/or discuss in your small group, with your family, or in your circle of friends, and some action points for the week.
Memory Verse of the Week: Exodus 3:13–15 (NIV)
“Moses said to God, ‘Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, “The God of your fathers has sent me to you,” and they ask me, “What is his name?” Then what shall I tell them?’ God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: “I AM has sent me to you.”’ God also said to Moses, ‘Say to the Israelites, “The Lord, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.” ‘This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.’”
READ: Exodus 3:1–6 (NIV)
In Exodus 3, Moses happens upon an incredible sight that required a closer look: a bright, brilliant, blazing fire in a bush that didn’t burn. How unbelievable is that?!
Let’s look at a few key things about this moment . . .
Discussion Question 1: What do the parallels to Christ and the details of what God was doing here show you about Him?
Discussion Question 2: Moses’ response when God called out to him was “Here I am.” In what ways can you follow Moses’ example and approach your time with the Lord in this way?
READ: Exodus 3:7–10 (NIV)
God pays attention to you and your life! Here in Exodus, we see that God isn’t passive or unaware of His people’s condition; rather, He’s fully aware and ready to take action. In this conversation, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob assures Moses of His existence and His heart for His people.
Despite the 400 years of slavery and oppression, God had never forgotten His people. God was not late, nor delayed, but was right on time to accomplish His sovereign plan of redemption and, through it, reveal His glory and power to the world!
We see God present and active in the Israelites’ story as:
We also know this to be true for us today as:
If you’re going through deep suffering, remember this truth: God sees you, hears you, knows you, and promises to bring deliverance. Your pain has not made this untrue, nor will it ever make it so. Be encouraged today that you can come to God with your deepest pain, and He will turn to you with mercy. God doesn’t only see your pain, but He’s already intervened on the cross.
Discussion Question 3: How do you respond to times of suffering? Do your circumstances shape your view of God or does God’s Word shape how you view your circumstances?
READ: Exodus 3:11–15 (NIV)
In The Power of God’s Names, Dr. Tony Evan’s tells us, “In Scripture, a name often connotes purpose, authority, makeup, and character. In fact, a person’s name is frequently seen as an equivalent of that person.”
It’s clear God places great value on names. So, when Moses asks God what name he should give the Hebrews if they ask who sent him, God’s response is one of the most important moments in all of history. Why? Because it’s the first recorded instance of God telling anyone His name: “I AM WHO I AM.”
Did you notice that Moses didn’t question God’s name or ask for any clarification? The implication here is that I AM wasn’t a new or unknown name. Moses and Israel must have known this name in relation to the Lord.
So, what does this reveal about God?
Discussion Question 4: Are you taking time to hear from God? What is something you feel Him calling you to this season?
Discussion Question 5: Who is the great I AM to you? What do you need Him to be in your life today?
Do a study on Christ in the Old Testament this week!
In our next study, we’ll unpack Exodus 3:16–4:17 as we see the Lord reveal His power to Moses and invite him to consider what is in his hand!
Danny Saavedra is a licensed minister who has served on staff at Calvary since 2012, managing the Calvary Devotional and digital discipleship resources. He has a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling and Master of Divinity in Pastoral Ministry from Liberty Theological Seminary. His wife Stephanie, son Jude, and daughter Zoe share a love of Star Wars, good food, having friends over for dinner, and studying the Word together as a family.