God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” Exodus 3:4
Moses changed in the wilderness. He went from a brash, impulsive reactionary to a man of humility, relying on God. This was not an overnight process, but possibly lasted for 40 years.
It was in this wilderness that Moses heard his call. He was at his job shepherding, doing what he was supposed to be doing. And God met him there.
God identified Moses. He knew who Moses was and called him by name. I find that very intimate. When I’m in the wilderness I can feel unseen and alone. But God knows who I am and calls me by name. He wants me to know He is near.
God identified Himself. He told Moses His Name. He is the God who is eternal and holy, who worked through history, and is the same God his forefathers worshipped. Moses hid his face in fear at the realization of His presence.
This Almighty God was not distant but heard the cry of the people – Moses’ people, God’s people. He not only heard them but declared His concern for their suffering. And He proclaimed He was going to do something about it. He promised to rescue them by His own hand – and He was going to include Moses in His plan.
Moses came out of the wilderness back to the palace and felt differently about his calling. He knew he was inadequate, no longer entitled, and not up to the task alone. But Moses had assurance that God knew him and had given him this leadership calling. God had given him authority while Moses had learned to rely solely on God. The battle was no longer his, but he was ready now to take on Pharaoh in God’s name.
We all experience wilderness and God is often using it to prepare us for something. He may speak to us in the quiet of the wilderness to remind us who we are, to reveal to us who He is – maybe in ways we haven’t understood before. If you are leaving the wilderness, take time to remember the picture of holy ground where He spoke, the sacred space where He affirmed you by name. And be prepared to use the lessons to further His kingdom. I don’t know what your Pharaoh is, but God has already determined the outcome. And remember, God used a man taught in the wilderness to lead His people through a coming wilderness. He is always at work in rescuing His people and uses others who have already walked that path.
Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. Exodus 3:5
