Connecting Scriptures: Hebrews 11:23-28, Philippians 1:6, Hebrews 12:1-2, Galatians 6:9, Acts 20:24

I think it’s important to note that Moses was 80 years old when he experienced the burning bush.

For the first 40 years of his life Moses was in Pharaohs’ house, enjoying all of the treasures of Egypt. Then he tried to take justice into his own hands and murders an Egyptian, then flees the country.  For the next 40 years of his life Moses is a shepherd in the wilderness, enjoying a quiet life, raising a family and putting down roots. 

Consider those years in an average person.

In your 40’s you are just beginning to hit your stride in figuring out who you are as a person. Wisdom is starting to settle in, and you get a handle on your skills and calling.  In your 50’s the kids are out of the house (or almost are) and you are entering the empty nest season. Rediscovering your spouse, enjoying new freedoms and struggling through an identity crisis.

In your 60’s you are looking toward retirement. Thinking about social security and what the ‘golden years’ will hold. You are beginning to eye that (boat/camper/beach house) and counting down the days when you can relax and have some much needed “fun”.  In your 70’s you are looking for something to do, because you realized that you actually liked working. So you find a cause to serve. Maybe it’s visiting the grandkids. Maybe it’s working in the garden. Maybe you take up golf.  In your 80’s most people are looking back on the life they lived. Thinking of the good old days. They are thinking that their best years are behind them, and hoping that the years left are not as painful. 

This is where God meets Moses in the burning bush. 

In Moses’ golden years, when he was supposed to be retiring and kicking back—this is where God presents Moses with the hardest job he has ever faced.  This is where God says, “Moses, I have chosen you. There is much work left to be done. Pack up and go back.”

I have been married for 20 years. I have lived in our current house for 6 years. I have a lot of stuff. I have a lot of memories, traditions and habits. I know what I like and don’t like. I have boxes filled with memories. Think of the life that is made in 40 years. 

And Moses responds…humbly. “Who am I?”

This is a different Moses than the one that thought he could save his people through premeditated murder 40 years prior.  This is a Moses who had been humbled. Who had been brought low (from Pharaoh’s household to sleeping with sheep in the wilderness).  Who had spent 40 years in a humble job of shepherd, being trained to shepherd and lead MORE stubborn sheep: the people of Israel. 

“Who am I?” 

This is the correct response.  Moses, you are no one. That’s the point. You CAN’T do it. 

Moses asks: WHO AM I?

God responds: I AM WHO I AM. 

As I read that today, I noticed, I think for the first time, the word play here. Moses is not enough, but God is. Moses isn’t worthy, but God is. Moses can’t do it, but God can.  I am not a Hebrew scholar – and I am sure that the original language is spelled out differently. But wow.  

God is enough. 

And it made me think: What is God going to call me to do in this next season? I’m not 80, but I am always entering into new seasons of Life. Seasons where I start to get comfortable and want to look for how to ‘check out’ and be done. But God can and wants to use me – he is never done with me.  The question is, “how will I respond when God calls me to do something difficult in this next season?” Will I make excuses (like Moses will try to do in the next chapter)? Will I reject him because “I have served my time”? 

Or will I say, “Here am I”

Reflection Questions.

1. What are some of the dangers of getting “comfortable” in your faith? How can those dangers hinder us in our walk with God?
2. Perhaps God is calling you to be faithful in something difficult in your current (or next) season. How will you respond? 

Contributing author, David Morton.