Exodus

Exodus 3: The holy God sends Moses

Begin in prayer

Before Moses hears his name called from the fire, let us bow before the holy God who sends him. Ask the Lord to teach us reverence and to show us the Savior who brings sinners near.

He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the children of Israel.

Psalm 103:7

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Teach us to honor Your holy name. Let us see the glory of Jesus and trust the rescue You provide. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

Keeping Jethro's flock near Horeb, Moses sees a bush burning without being consumed. God calls him from the bush and commands him to remove his sandals on holy ground. He has seen Israel's suffering and sends Moses to bring the people out of Egypt. Moses asks about himself and about God's name, and the LORD gives His promise and His name. He tells Moses to gather Israel's elders and approach Pharaoh, whose refusal will be overcome by God's wonders. The people will leave with silver, gold and clothing given by their Egyptian neighbors.

As you read Exodus 3, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

The holy God reveals His name and promises to rescue His people.

Horeb becomes the place where a shepherd hears the God of his fathers speaking. The fire draws Moses near, and the command to remove his sandals teaches him God's holiness. The LORD comes down to deliver Israel, making His power known without ceasing to be everywhere. Moses asks who he is to go, and God answers with His own presence. The name “I AM WHO I AM” tells Moses that God depends on no one. The living God will remain faithful to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He already knows Pharaoh will refuse, so His promise includes the wonders that will break Egypt's hold. Israel will leave with gifts and will serve God on this mountain. Jesus speaks of His existence before Abraham with the divine name (John 8 verse 58).

How does Exodus 3 show us that the holy God reveals His name and promises to rescue His people?

The God who hears Israel is holy.

The bush burns without being consumed, and God calls Moses by name. His presence makes the ground holy. Sinners need the way to this holy God that Jesus opens through His blood.

God sends Moses with the promise of His presence.

Moses asks who he is to face Pharaoh. God's answer turns him from his own weakness to the One who goes with him. The rescue depends on God's power and faithful word.

God knows the king's refusal and will overcome it.

The elders will listen, but Pharaoh will resist. God promises wonders, release and favor with the Egyptians. His knowledge reaches beyond Moses' next step, and His purpose reaches its fulfilment in Christ.

Memorise

Certainly I will be with you.

Exodus 3:12

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, how have I treated the holy God as though I do not need Jesus?

God tells Moses, “Don’t come close.” The ground is holy because God is there. Yet this same God says, “I have come down to deliver them.” His holiness does not cancel His promise of mercy.

Jesus is the eternal Son who spoke of being before Abraham (John 8 verse 58). He came among sinners without sharing their sin. At His cross He bore the punishment for His people, and His perfect sacrifice settled their guilt. Death could not hold Him, and He rose to life. Everything needed to bring His people to the holy God is accomplished.

Come with reverence and with need. Turn from your sin and put your trust in Jesus. Those who rely on Him have their sins forgiven and may draw near to God through Him. The God who revealed His name has given a sufficient Savior.

Parent's note

Tell your children that God is holy and that Jesus alone brings guilty people near through His death and resurrection. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for making His holy name known and sending a rescuer, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

Jesus said to them, “Most certainly, I tell you, before Abraham came into existence, I AM. ”

John 8:58

Holy God, thank You for speaking to Moses and keeping Your promise. We confess that we have treated Your name lightly. Please turn our hearts toward Jesus, who died and rose. Give us reverence when we read Your Word and courage to obey it. Amen.