Friday: Further Thought – The Burning Bush
Daily Lesson for Friday 11th of July 2025
Read Ellen G.White, “Moses,” Pages 251–256, in Patriarchs and Prophets.
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
The dramatic burning bush call was probably the most transformative experience in Moses’ life. All other high points in his life depended on his positive, obedient response to God’s commissioning him to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt and to the Promised Land.
Sure, we know now how it all turned out. But put yourself in Moses’ place at the time of the burning bush. He had fled from Egypt to save his life. A new generation of Hebrews had come on the scene over the 40 years, many of whom probably knew little about him, or maybe even what they heard about him was wrong, filtered through stories that over time get distorted. _And yet now, he was called by God to lead this same people away from a powerful nation? _No wonder he was reluctant at first!
Yes, it was an extremely demanding task, but imagine what he would have missed if he had given a final no to God. He might have just disappeared into history instead of—through the power of God working in him—literally making history and becoming one of the greatest and most influential people, not just in the Bible but in the world itself.
Discussion Questions
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In our Sabbath School lesson studies we often take the stance that the lessons are primarily intended for our own spiritual growth, That is quite reasonable and I often ask myself the question what can I learn from this study. But, I think that sometimes we need to look at the lessons collectively and ask the question, “What can the chuch organisation learn from these lessons?”
I would like to make two points:
It is probably a good time to think about linking these two ideas.
Exodus is not a book of rules on how to run a spiritually directed organisation, but rather a case study. The people are not perfect, and nor are their leaders. The story includes grumbling, dietary complaints, internal disagreements, schisms, tempers lost, and frustrations vented. And, looking over the history of Seventh-day Adventist organisation and management, I see much the same.
If we think that we can learn to be a perfect church by looking at the Exodus, we may have perhaps missed the purpose of the book. In one sense, the book is prophetic: The modern church is not very different.
Keeping one's faith in an imperfect church with imperfect leadership is difficult. I know that many of you will respond that the only way to survive is to look at Jesus rather than one another. I have heard that admonition all my life. But how do I put that into practice when I am interacting with real, imperfect people like me?
Good discussion and question! Not just simplifying the answer, but sometimes it helps us if we sing! The SDA Hymnal could be of assistance if we read the messages in Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" #290, "Trust and Obey" #590, and Marching to Zion" #422.
Have a Good Sabbath, I appreciate your comments on the Comments section of our studies!
I think you just gave me and my husband our topic of discussion for tomorrow morning class time. Thank you. 🙂
"Keeping one's faith in an imperfect church with imperfect leadership is difficult. I know that many of you will respond that the only way to survive is to look at Jesus rather than one another. I have heard that admonition all my life. But how do I put that into practice when I am interacting with real, imperfect people like me?"
My church did something very recently that practically ripped it down the middle. Attendance is down as some decide that God really isn't here or a perceived enemy or hypocrite is there. Cliques have solidified. And yet, in time of great need, both 'sides' of the church have reached out to me with presence, prayers, and expensive items.
The muscles of the body work by pulling a single bone in opposing directions. Israel wandered in the desert for years. Both seem directionless and counter productive in the micro. And yet, both move with assured vector and purpose in the macro.
I don't think you should focus on the church you find yourself at, the leadership or direction you disagree with, or the difficulties that surround you. You're called to be a messenger of God. An angel. Be that angel. Bear the message of love and tenderness to the people around you who hurt, who misunderstand, who are wrathful, who are sinful. Pull that bone the way you are meant to. Be like Jesus, our older brother.
He found faith inside the church and outside of it. You probably have a better grasp of what else he found than I have. You focus on God and you work that out here, like any other angel on a mission. I hope that helps out or can at least give you a place to start.
The tempter can never force us to stray from truth. Our will must consent; faith must let go of its hold on Christ, before Satan can exercise his power on us. That is why we as individuals must not take our eyes off Christ. When we have our eye on imperfection, we lose our grip on Christ. We don't let others guide us rather let Christ as He promised in Psalm 48:14. We start slipping off the path.
The faith we should live by is as follows:
As Christ lived the law in humanity, so we may do if we will take hold of the Strong One for strength. But we cannot depend on humanity for counsel. The Lord will teach us our duty just as willingly as He will teach someone else. If we come to Him in faith, He will speak His mysteries to us personally. Our hearts will often burn within us as One draws near to talk with us as He did with Enoch. Those who decide to do nothing in any line that will displease God will know, after presenting their case before Him, just what course to pursue. And God will give power to them for obedience and for service, as Christ has promised. Humble Hero Chapter 73
Philippians 2:13, and 2 Timothy 1:7.
I hope this answers your thought question Maurice. I am sure by answering it others will benefit.
Great lessons. Thursday’s lesson, focusing on the Song of Moses and Miriam (Exodus 15:1 21), has powerful implications for our lives today, full of uncertainty and injustice. This song reminds us to praise God not just after victory but in anticipation of His deliverance. It shows that worship is both a response to and a declaration of faith. The Israelites praised God for defeating their enemies—today, we praise Him for overcoming sin and injustice through Christ. Like them, we are called to recognize God's power and love in our daily struggles, and to trust His justice will ultimately prevail. Gratitude, worship, and hope become acts of spiritual resistance against despair. When we remember what God has done, it strengthens our faith in what He will do, especially in times when His justice seems delayed.
It’s good to learn that as you read ahead to next weeks lesson it will be the song of deliverance by Marion with tambourin, read drum…Royce
God calls each one of us to a special mission. What is our mission? Whatever is our duty today, whatever is our role in life right now, may we play the best we can in this role, for the honor of our Father and Creator.
What a powerful and dramatic display of God's power which demanded belief and trust by Moses. And what a mamathon of responsibility coupled with the fact that either side- the Egyptians and Hebrews at one time or the other sought to kill him. 40 years of training led him to accept the Call of the Lord and his name is chronalized in the Hall of Faith and Fame as a GOAT for all to see. This biblical account reveals to me that "all His biddings are enabling". Teach me, Lord, to trust Your leading in the path of service for You . Amen
Moses had lived a full life by the time he encountered the burning bush—even writing the stories of Genesis and Job during his time in the wilderness. He was not a man unfamiliar with God’s history or His power. Yet, when God personally called him to lead Israel out of slavery, Moses hesitated.
“Who am I?”
“What if they don’t believe me?”
“I’m not a good speaker.”
“Please send someone else.”
These responses weren't born of ignorance but of insecurity, fear, and perhaps distance from God’s presence. Moses had knowledge of God, but not yet the courage born of deep relationship and trust. That changed when he stood before the burning bush—holy ground where God didn’t just reveal His name, but His nearness:
"Certainly I will be with you.”
God wasn’t looking for someone with flawless speech or unshakable confidence. He was calling someone willing to trust Him despite weakness. And in that moment, Moses discovered that God’s presence is greater than any personal inadequacy.
This truth speaks to us today. We may know the Bible, understand doctrine, or serve faithfully in church—but when God calls us beyond our comfort zones, our human fears rise. The temptation to say “I can’t” is strong. But God says, “I will be with you.”
Knowing about God must lead to walking with God. Information must give way to transformation. And our excuses must bow to His presence.
#3.
Just a short dwell on Moses writing the book of Job. I don't know if he did or not. But I do know that Moses writing during his time taking care of sheep, the book of Genesis only was mentioned on page 251.1 of Patriarchs and Prophets. Yes. I have made errors also.