The Calling of Moses

June 16, 2020

Moses was elderly when he was called by God. He had led a full life, and had been a prince, and a murderer, and a fugitive. Now he was tending flocks in the wilderness, far from the glory of the palace of Egypt. But God sought him out, called him out, called him and empowered him to serve in a way that Moses never would have imagined. 

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The Calling of Moses

By Diane Ward

Two things are apparent of the calling of Moses: It was an ordinary tend the sheep workday, and Moses was alone when God revealed himself and declared again his covenant with Abraham.

While wandering alone on the backside of the desert, Moses is halted by the sight of a blazing bush. He turns aside and God meets him with an astounding commission: "be my messenger to Pharaoh and lead my people to freedom." Next God asks more specifically that he lay down his staff, a significant tool of his trade that represented his identity, income, and influence. While having herd God say, "take off your sandals, you are standing on holy ground." Moses contends with God, raising one objection after another. God knew Moses was the one to lead the Hebrew children out of bondage, and Moses remembering the Egyptian overseer he killed doubted his credentials for the job.

When we submit our perceived limitations to God and trust his power to strengthen us, we can accomplish what he has planned for our life's work. "For each one of us there is only one thing necessary: To fulfill our destiny according to God's will, to be what God wants us to be." (The Wisdom of the Desert, Thomas Merton)

“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the One who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.” (2 Peter 1:3)

The burning bush symbolizes our redemption in Christ, the Messenger of the Covenant. Our spiritual identity is established as descendants of Jesus through a great lineage. “For we are God’s masterpiece, he has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10)

We are standing on Holy ground!

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