30th August 2026
Encountering the God who comes near
God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: “I am has sent me to you.” ’
Exodus 3:14 (NIVUK)
The account of the burning bush in Exodus 3:1–15 is one of the most profound revelations of God’s character in Scripture. Moses, now a shepherd in the wilderness after fleeing Egypt, was going about an ordinary day when God interrupted his routine with an extraordinary encounter. A bush burned with fire, yet it was not consumed. Drawn by curiosity, Moses approached only to hear God call his name. Before revealing his mission, God invited Moses into relationship. He said to Moses, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground’ (Exodus 3:5). The ground is holy because God is present. Holiness begins with God’s presence. The God who called Moses from the bush is the God who, in the fullness of time, came to us in the person of Jesus. In Jesus, God does not remain distant or hidden. He comes near, entering our humanity to rescue and reconcile us to himself.
At the burning bush, God introduces himself as ‘I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob’ (v.6), reminding Moses that he is the faithful covenant God who does not forget his promises. He has seen the suffering of his people, heard their cries, and has come down to deliver them (vv.7-8). This reveals the compassionate heart of God. He is not indifferent to human pain. Throughout Scripture, we see that God’s saving action always begins with his love and faithfulness.
God’s rescue of the Israelites from Egypt is the great act of deliverance in the Old Testament, prefiguring God’s greatest act of deliverance accomplished through Jesus Christ. Just as God delivered Israel from bondage in Egypt, Jesus delivers humanity from the deeper slavery of sin and death. The Exodus points forward to the greater redemption accomplished through Christ’s incarnation, life, death, resurrection, and ascension. God’s plan has always been to bring his children into the freedom of life with him.
When Moses objects because he thinks he is inadequate for such a task (v.11), God does not reassure him by pointing to Moses’ abilities. Instead, he gives the only assurance that truly matters: ‘I will be with you’ (v.12). God’s presence is the source of our confidence. The Holy Spirit continues this promise today, dwelling within believers and enabling us to participate in Christ’s mission. We do not serve God through our own strength, but through the life of Christ shared with us by the Spirit.
Finally, God reveals his covenant name: ‘I am who I am’ (v.14). This name speaks of God’s eternal, self-existent, faithful nature. Jesus echoes this divine identity in the Gospel of John through his many ‘I AM’ statements, revealing that he is the living presence of the God who spoke to Moses. In Jesus, we know the ‘I AM’ personally. He is Immanuel, which means ‘God with us’ (Matthew 1:23).
Like Moses, we often encounter God in unexpected places and ordinary moments. The question is whether we will, like Moses, turn aside to see what God is doing. Every day offers opportunities to recognise Christ’s presence, listen to his voice, and join in the work he is already accomplishing through the Holy Spirit. May we respond with willing hearts, trusting in God’s faithful presence.
Prayer
Loving Father, thank you for making yourself known perfectly in Jesus Christ. Thank you that you see our needs, hear our prayers, and come near to us through the Holy Spirit. Give us attentive hearts to recognise your presence in our daily lives, and willing spirits to join you in your mission of love and reconciliation. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
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Study by: Barry Robinson About the author: |
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Local congregation:
Grace Communion West Hampstead
Sidings Community Centre
150 Brassey Road
West Hampstead
London
NW6 2BA
Meeting time:
Sunday 12.30 pm
Local congregational contact:
Gordon Brown
gordon.brown@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church