By Luke, Physician and Historian
I've had my fair share of close calls, but I've never had an experience quite like Moses'. I mean, who hasn't had a burning bush moment in their life? (Or, at the very least, a slightly-toasted one?) But seriously, when God speaks to us, we should listen – even if it means walking away from our daily routines to find a bush on fire.God's Interruptus
Between you and me, I've had my doubts about God's plan. I mean, have you seen my notes on the genealogy of Jesus? It's like trying to untangle a plate of spaghetti! But Moses didn't have the luxury of second-guessing. He was just as surprised as I was when I accidentally stepped into a mud puddle during a rainy hike last week (don't ask).Moses was tending his father-in-law's flocks when he stumbled upon that peculiar bush. You know, the one that was on fire but not being consumed by flames? Yeah, that one. I won't lie; I would've taken a few steps back and asked someone else to take over the sheep for a bit. But not Moses. He approached the bush, and God spoke to him! Can you imagine? "Moses, Moses, get over here!" Trust me, I've had my fair share of "Moses" moments (read: getting lost in the hospital corridors).
The Unlikely Hero
What struck me about Moses is his humility. He wasn't some high-ranking official or spiritual giant; he was just a regular Joe from the wilderness. Yet, God chose him for an extraordinary task – leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. If you're anything like me, you might be thinking, "Wait, what about all those other capable leaders? Why choose Moses?" Well, let me tell you: God doesn't always choose the obvious candidate. Sometimes He chooses the ones who are willing to listen and follow.
A Message for Us
So what can we learn from Moses' story? Here are a few takeaways:1. **God can speak to anyone**: Whether you're tending sheep or stuck in traffic, God can interrupt your routine and give you a message.2. **Humility is key**: Don't underestimate yourself or overestimate others. God works through the humble and willing.3. **Listen up**: When God speaks, don't tune Him out or try to tune in later (like I do). Listen carefully and respond promptly.4. **The unexpected can be extraordinary**: Who knew a burning bush would lead to a major miracle?As I look back on my own journey with Jesus, I realize that sometimes it takes a little bit of chaos (or a burning bush) to remind us of God's power and presence. So the next time you're stuck in traffic or dealing with a burnt offering (or two), remember: God is always speaking, always working, and always choosing the unexpected heroes.
P.S. My fellow apostles still tease me about my "Moses moment" when I got lost in the temple courtyard during our last trip to Jerusalem...