Day 17 – The Burning Bush - Exodus 3:1-4:16
Moses encounters God today. We hear God self named: I AM WHO I AM. Rather enigmatic… It is interesting to note that until this point, different names are used in the original Hebrew text for God. From this point on, the texts become more specific, using what we would sound out as Yahweh as the name. This actually relates to the self-identification, as it relates to the Hebrew verb, to be. However Jews never use this name as this would be considered breaking the 3rd commandment: wrongful use of God’s name. Thus translations generally use the term the LORD. Anytime you see this, the Hebrew text is specifically referring to God. There is much more interesting info far beyond this (such as Jehovah being a common mistranslation of Hebrew, prevalent for some time for various reasons.)
I think the name of God is interesting for our own identification, as we are made in God’s image. How often do we define ourselves by what we do? The first question we often ask someone we are meeting for the first time is: What do you do? Yet the action verb is more diffuse: to be or even a state of being. Thinking about this over a period of time (and I am still pondering) makes a great difference in how we live life, know ourselves, and interact with others. Spend some time on this and I would love to hear what others think.
Moses tries to avoid God’s call five different times over the course of his conversation with God: Who am I? (v. ), Who are you? (v. ), the people won’t listen (v. 4:1), I am not eloquent… (v. ), Please send someone else (v. ). Each time God provides an answer. What is God calling you for, and how have you answered?
Finally, I bring up an issue related to worship. Can we become too laid-back in worship? I think about verse 3:5: Then he [God] said, “Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” I may offend some here, but I am not sure drinking coffee and eating a doughnut during worship is such a great idea. We do worship a Holy God and we may be a little too comfortable at times in worship. Worship is not the same as attending a sporting or entertainment event. Again, I invite some thoughts on this as well.
In Christ,
Randy
I can totally relate to Moses. I always think someone else would be better than me, can do a better job than me, but I want to do what God wants me to do, but sometimes it is hard to know what that is. When I was an elder, I felt soooo inadequate. I felt like I had no talents that would make me a good elder, but in the end, I realized that it was not about what talents or special abilities I brought to the table, but how much God changed me during those three years. I received much more than I gave.
ReplyDeleteI agree that worship at 9:43 is sometimes too comfortable. I love the 9:43 because of the music, and I think it is great if you have babies or young children that you can easily take them out or sit at the back, but I do think we don't take worship serious enough. It is not about us, it is about worshiping God.
God is Holy and we need to come into His presence with respect. I believe we need to have people come as they are, but once they realize His holiness we should encourage them to grow in knowledge,service,& actions. We also need to welcome others while being respectful to a Holy God.
ReplyDeleteWith regard to any worship service, as you both note,it is a line between respect for God and not appearing to act as a Pharisee, turning people away.
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