As I complete another year of serving with ICGM in the Lord’s vineyard as a General Body member, I recall the story of the Burning Bush in Exodus 3 which holds a significant implication for understanding the concept of a missions calling. Exodus 3:1-22, recounts the story of Moses and the Burning Bush, including God’s commissioning of Moses. This divine encounter between Moses and God serves as a pivotal moment in biblical history, marking the beginning of Moses’ mission to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. By examining the Burning Bush incident, we can glean insights into the nature of a missions calling and its relevance for believers today.
The Burning Bush incident unfolds as Moses, a shepherd tending his father-in-law’s flock, comes across a bush that is on fire but not consumed by the flames. Intrigued by this miraculous sight, Moses turns aside to investigate further. It is at this moment that God reveals Himself to Moses, calling him by name and commissioning him for a specific mission.
This encounter at the Burning Bush demonstrates several key aspects of a missions calling. First, it highlights God’s initiative in choosing and equipping individuals for His purposes. Moses was an ordinary shepherd, yet God saw fit to call him and entrust him with the task of leading His people to freedom. This serves as a reminder that mission callings are not based on human qualifications or merit, but rather on God’s sovereign choice.
Second, the Burning Bush incident underscores the importance of obedience and trust in responding to a mission calling. Initially, Moses hesitates and raises objections, doubting his ability to carry out the mission. However, God assures Moses of His presence and provides him with the necessary signs and wonders to convince both the Israelites and Pharaoh of His authority. Moses eventually heeds the call and becomes a faithful instrument in God’s hands.
Furthermore, the Burning Bush story emphasizes the significance of engaging with God’s mission in the world. God’s plan was not merely to deliver the Israelites from bondage, but to establish a covenant relationship with them and ultimately bless all nations through them. Similarly, a mission calling extends beyond individual salvation to the broader scope of God’s redemptive purposes for humanity. It involves sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, making disciples, and participating in God’s ongoing work of reconciliation.
As believers today, we can draw inspiration from the Burning Bush incident and apply its principles to our own lives. Just as God called Moses, He continues to call and equip individuals for specific missions. Whether it be overseas missionary work, local ministry, or simply being a witness in our daily lives, each believer has a role to play in God’s mission. We are called to step out in faith, trusting in God’s presence and provision, and obediently fulfilling the tasks He sets before us.
In conclusion, the story of the Burning Bush provides a rich foundation for understanding the concept of a missions calling. It reveals God’s initiative in choosing and equipping individuals, the importance of obedience and trust in responding to the call, and the broader scope of God’s redemptive mission. By studying this biblical account, we can gain insights into our own mission callings and actively participate in God’s work in the world. May we, like Moses, be willing vessels, ready to respond when God calls us to be His ambassadors of love and truth.