Notes From Exodus 3

Verse 1. Moses became a shepherd for 40 years from the time he left the palace in Egypt up to this time he was in Mt. Horeb. He learned to live simply as opposed to his life in the palace. Mat. 3:4, we read of John the Baptist, "...a voice in the wilderness..", and his life is very simple. He could've lived luxuriously in the Temple as he was a priest like his father Zechariah was from the Levitical priesthood, but he didn't. "Luk 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. " God uses simple people to help others.

Verse 2. God wanted to call Moses' attention through a flame of fire in a burning bush.

Verse 3. God uses unusual things or events to get our attention. "The bush burned but is not consumed." This is not a very normal happening that caught Moses' attention. We have seen this through the gospel. Servants going forth without home, family, or salary as they preach the good news. This is very unusual as the preachers of the world today have their palaces, family and more.

Verse 4. When God saw that he got Moses' attention, he spoke to him. It is the same way with us. God can only speak to us as we give Him our full attention. Moses listened and responded.

Verse 5. In our country, when we visit friends or relatives we take off our shoes and leave them outside the door. This is a sign of respect for the people of the home we're visiting. Moses realized it was a holy place and God was there to speak to him. Our shoes also signify our connection with the earth or surroundings. We need to leave it all behind us or cut off our connections with the world around us if we want to hear God's message for us.

Verse 6. I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Although Abram, Isaac and Jacob were dead a long time ago, yet with Him they are alive. He is the God of the living and not of the dead. He said, "I am the God of..." Not "I was..." If we have question where we will be after we die, this is a very reassuring answer. We will be with Him as our forefathers are with Him unto this day. Only if the God of Abram, Isaac and Jacob will also be my personal God. Jacob saw God on top of the ladder and later he made a vow..."then the lord will be my God."

Verses 7 & 9. Our need is our greatest asset. Nothing escapes God when it comes to our cry of desperation because of our great need. " I have surely seen, and have heard..." "...the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me."

Verses 8 & 17. "And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey..." such a wonderful promise.

Verse 10. "I will send thee unto Pharaoh..." When Moses was 40 years old, he thought he could deliver Israel out of Egypt with his might and power by killing the Egyptian. This wasn't God time. Moses acted on his own at that time. Now it is God's time and He is sending Moses. God's time is perfect.

Verse 11. "Who am I...?" This is a good sign. Moses saw himself and his weaknesses, his inadequacies. God can use us if we feel unable and so little and unknown. It is not a question of 'unworthiness' but rather of 'willingness'. "My strength is made perfect in weakness...", He told Paul. When Saul was little in his own sight, He made him King over His people.

Verse 12. "I will be with thee..." This is the same promise Jesus gave to his disciples.. Mat. 28:20. I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

Verses 13-15. Moses anticipated that he needs a name to tell the people who sent him. In the world today, the name is very important in everything. People want a name but it wasn't a name that God gave to Moses. It was a presence, a power, God's nature that will be with him when he meets the people. Jesus told the same to his disciples when they face rulers and kings to not worry what to say, because the Spirit will be with them and will put speech in their tongue.

Verse 16. Gather the elders of Israel. This is within the family setting. The elder is usually the leader also of the family or tribe. We are glad that this is still the same in our day and age. We have so much respect for the elders among us as it is ordained by God.

Verse 18. The purpose for taking them out of captivity is so that they may serve God and offer sacrifice unto the Lord. The very same reason we were taken out of this world to serve Him and sacrifice for Him.

Verses 19-20..."not by a mighty hand... And I will stretch out my hand..." Now, Moses knew that it is not through his own hand that deliverance will come but through the mighty hand of God. He was only instrumental in the deliverance of Israel. Good to remember this that we can all be instruments of God to help others who are still in bondage today.

Verses 21-22. God's wonderful promise and provision as they leave Egypt. The apostles left everything behind to follow Jesus and yet they have everything, Mat. 19:27-29.