Our scripture this morning is Acts 7:30-34.
After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight. As he went over to get a closer look, he heard the Lord say: “I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look. Then the Lord said to him, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.”
Here in a New Testament passage we hear a reminder of the call to Moses from Exodus. The writer of Acts (Luke, according to most scholars) wants us to remember the call to the faithful from long ago – Noah, Abraham, Joseph, and others. He wants us to understand that God still calls us to action in our world today.
In this section Moses goes to see the burning bush, which God has placed to draw his attention. He tells Moses that there is work to be done among God’s children and He has chosen him to accomplish it. It is not an easy task, and while Moses declines initially, we know that he finally accepted his call and went on God’s mission.
God has “burning bushes” for each of us, something to draw our attention to Him so He can call us to service as well. The need for action in the world is greater than ever. We are all part of God’s eternal plan and we are blessed to go in His name.
Heavenly Father, we are grateful for Your gifts to us. Help us to use them wisely to fulfill Your purpose in the world. Amen.