Scripture: Exodus 3:1-12

Aim: To help the pupil understand how the call of God came to Moses for him to go to Egypt to deliver the Israelites.

Golden Text: “Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt” (Exodus 3:10).

Jehovah God promised Abraham that his seed would possess the land of Palestine as a gift from Him. Abraham’s offspring, Israel, was removed from Palestine by Joseph when the worldwide famine came upon the land. The descendants of Abraham finally become slaves to the Egyptians. After more than 400 years, Jehovah was going to deliver the Israelites and bring them back to establish a nation in Palestine. His servant to lead the exodus from Egypt was Moses.

As Moses was keeping the sheep of his father-in-law, Jethro (Exodus 3:1), he was visited by Jehovah and commissioned.

I. The Angel of the Lord appeared in a burning bush (Exodus 3:2). Moses looked at a bush, which was on fire and burning, but a strange thing was happening, it was not being burned up (vs. 2). Jesus Christ in pre-incarnate form (The Angel of the Lord) was in the bush.

II. Moses’ response (Exodus 3:3-4). In curiosity Moses turned aside to look at the bush, which was not being burned up (vs. 3). The Angel of the Lord called out to Moses, and Moses in a shocked condition answered.

III. God’s requirement for Moses (Exodus 3:5). Moses was informed that he was standing on holy ground, and he should take off his shoes. Moses obeyed and was instructed by the Angel of the Lord as to what His will was for Moses.

IV. God reminded Moses of the promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Exodus 3:6,9). The Angel identified Himself, “I am the God of thy father, Abraham. …” Moses immediately hid his face, afraid to look upon God (vs. 6). The proper position before God is submissive humility.

God instructed Moses as to His intended purpose (vs. 7-9). First, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people, which are in Egypt” (vs. 7). Second, “I have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters” (vs. 7). Third, “I know their sorrows” (vs. 7). Fourth, “I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians” (vs. 8). Fifth, to bring them into “a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place” called Palestine (vs. 8).

Jehovah had heard their cry and knew their plight (vs. 9). He was in to process of fulfilling His promise to His faithful servant Abraham.

V. God commissioned Moses to go to Egypt and deliver Israel (Exodus 3:10-12). Jehovah informed Moses that He was sending him (vs. 10). Moses declined (vs. 11). Jehovah reaffirmed that He is sending Moses (vs. 12).

Here we understand that God has a plan for each of his people and He will carry it out at the proper time. Also, we see that God reveals Himself to whomsoever He wills, in this case Moses. Further, we see that God expects His desire to be carried out.

We also learn that God knows and sees all that His people face. He is concerned, and in His own time, He will act in order to relieve His people. A final thing, God always keeps His promises. As He promises, so will He do.

May God help us to seek to be used for His glory in whatever His task for us may be.