Sermon on Exodus 3:1–22

 Prayer: O Father! We offer our thanks and reverence to You, who patiently endure all burdens on our behalf and continue to work for us. In Your labor, You have revealed Your love, and beyond that, You have fully revealed Yourself to us as the Most High by saying, “I AM WHO I AM.” We worship You. Today, we thank You in Jesus' name, asking that You grant us the living experience of this day, so that we may abide with You forever. Amen.

When Moses was in Egypt, he saw an Egyptian fighting with a Hebrew. Angered by the injustice, Moses killed the Egyptian and fled to the land of Midian. That act was Moses’ own initiative. He feared the king and ran away. But in Exodus chapter 3, we see a different picture—everything that happens there is initiated by God.

In this chapter, we witness the divine encounter: God appears to Moses, calls out his name twice—“Moses, Moses”—declares the ground as holy, and introduces Himself as the God of Moses' ancestors. He assures Moses that He has heard the cries of His people, knows their sorrows, and has come down to deliver them. God tells Moses that He has seen the oppression in Egypt and is sending him as His messenger. He promises to be with Moses, to stretch out His hand, and to grant favor in the eyes of the Egyptians.

These are not just words for Moses; they are words that we too must hold dear. Exodus chapter 3 is filled with what God does for His people. It is a remarkable chapter in the Old Testament, rich with divine promises. Here, God is not passive—He is actively working. It is in this chapter that He finally reveals His name. Throughout the 50 chapters of Genesis, God had not revealed His name in this way.

In this moment, God declares: “I AM WHO I AM”—the One who exists wherever, whenever, and however He is needed. He is the God who becomes what is needed and does what must be done. Because of this, Exodus chapter 3 is often referred to as “The Chapter of the Ever-Existing God.” In it, He says, “I AM the One who is present in all,” and “I AM the One who is present for you.”

In the New Testament, Romans chapter 7 carries similar depth and intensity; in the Old Testament, it is Exodus chapter 3 that stands as its counterpart—revealing both the majesty and mercy of God.

In Romans Chapter 7, man thinks, “I can reach salvation by keeping the Ten Commandments.” However, in Romans Chapter 8, it becomes evident that man cannot fulfill the law on his own, and therefore God Himself enables man to walk according to the Ten Commandments and accomplishes everything on his behalf. This is why, according to John 14:14, the Lord promised: “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

Thus, man must say:

1. “I believe, Lord!”
2. “Yes, Lord! I praise You! On my own, I can do nothing, but by believing in Your promise and praising You, I can do all things.”
   This kind of declaration must be accompanied by obedience.

There was a fire in the bush, yet the bush was not consumed. Likewise, the Israelites were in intense suffering but were not destroyed—they continued to increase. As a sign of this truth, the Lord showed Moses a burning bush that was not consumed. God revealed this to Moses at the age of 80. The bush did not burn because God was present in it. Similarly, because God was present among the Israelites, they were not destroyed but were preserved and multiplied.

In the same way, Christians may experience affliction but are not consumed. Therefore, pray earnestly—for through prayer we receive strength, courage, and faith. We learn to obey, become renewed in Christ, grow in endurance, discover ways to overcome trials, and learn to work well.

To Moses, (1) the bush was visible, (2) the fire was visible—but only when he drew near did he hear God’s voice. Likewise, to the Israelites, it appeared as though only suffering was present—but in reality, God was with them amid their affliction. Even in our own lives, though we may experience trials and feel as if our prayers are unheard, God is silently listening to our cries behind the scenes.

He remains silent for several purposes:

1. To lead us into deeper prayer,
2. To refine and discipline us,
3. So that others may learn a lesson by observing us.

When the Jews observed the Passover:

1. They applied the blood of the lamb, and also ate its flesh.
2. They ate bitter herbs,
3. They were already on a journey.

Likewise, in the Lord’s Supper:

1. We partake of the body and blood of Jesus,
2. We must confess our sins and be on a spiritual journey,
3. In taking the Lord’s Supper, we must prepare ourselves for the Second Coming.

Why was the Passover instituted?

1. For the journey,
2. For physical strength,
3. For protection from destruction,
4. So that 600,000 people could dwell together in unity.

Similarly, we observe the Lord’s Supper:

1. To prepare for the Second Coming,
2. For spiritual strength,
3. For protection from evil,
4. For fellowship with the Lord,
5. For the forgiveness of sins,
6. And ultimately, to be transformed into the image of Jesus Christ—this is why He instituted the Lord’s Table for us.

Blessing: Just as the Israelites, who were God’s chosen people, were not consumed by the fiery trials, may we also be preserved through every fiery affliction. May the Lord, through the power of His body and blood, grant you the grace to ascend into the cloud of glory. Amen.