For quite some time, God has been reminding me of the burning bush that Moses encountered. At first I thought it was because I absolute love Moses (he’s a thug) and the encounter he had with the burning bush was an important. It was a meeting of his commission from God. As I kept pondering upon the burning bush, I came to a really obvious conclusion that I should have known before (I am very slow in thinking compared to most people). And the conclusion was this: the bush wasn’t burning up. It was burning, but was not burning up. It was a wonderful sight that it lead Moses said to himself, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned” (Exodus 3:3). It is a great and wonderful sight! As soon as I realized the bush was not burned up, I was reminded of sanctification and God’s providence. By His grace He sends holy fire on us and by His mercy we are not burned up. Being transformed by God into the image of Christ is a predestined plan for everyone who loves Him (Romans 8:28-29). Christians in the midst of this great transformation is a great sight. Not only to God, but it should be for other people. Maybe this is how Christ meant when He said “be the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). We are meant to be burning bushes for the world, a great sight indeed who draws people like Moses into the presence of God. And I love how this is the moment where God gives His covenantal name: YHWH. The unpronounceable name. Some scholars said that this name is derived from the verb HYH (to be). And remember, God introduced Himself as “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). “I am” is derived from “to be” (some basic English lesson for ya). The name “YHWH” holds so much beauty and grace. God made a covenant with us. He bound Himself to us saying, “And I will walk among you and will be your God and you shall be my people” (Leviticus 26:12).
This is the God we must lead people to know. The God of grace and mercy. The God who willingly bound Himself to us in a relationship.
YHWH, you deserve the glory! You alone are God! You are so good! How can we ever ever ever deny the awesome Triune God? Father, Son, Holy Spirit have your way in me and in your church. Transform us like you have planned. We hope in Philippians 1:6, “ And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen (Romans 11:36).
