Moses’ Story, Part Three: “The Burning Bush.”

Moses stood up and stretched his old bones. He had been sitting for a while and that didn't agree with his age. He sighed and continued speaking, saying, "As we ventured toward the mountain of God, Horeb; I noticed an extraordinary sight; one which spooked the very sheep I was leading.

There on the edge of the cliff, was a bush ablaze with fire; yet it remained intact and unconsumed. Where normally the smell of burning vegetation was acrid, and off putting, this bush produced no smoke or smell.

Curiosity consumed me, and I felt compelled to investigate. I gathered the sheep in one area, commanding them to stay and saying 'Let me turn aside and see this great sight, move not from this spot, my flock.' I cautiously began to approach it, wondering why the bush did not burn up in the flames.

Little did I know that this was no ordinary bush… And S I approached the burning bush, my heart pounding with both fear and curiosity, a radiant figure emerged from within the flames.

It was a being unlike any I had ever seen before. The visage of the Angel of Yahweh stood before me, its presence commanding attention and inspiring awe.

The Angel's countenance was as bright as the sun, its radiance illuminating the desert surroundings. Every feature of its holy figure exuded a sense of divine beauty and righteousness. Its eyes, deep and penetrating, seemed to hold the mysteries of the universe, carrying a wisdom far beyond any kind of human comprehension.

In addition, the angel's presence was accompanied by an overwhelming sense of power and majesty. It stood tall and noble, its stature conveying strength and authority… Its wings, of which there was countless, glistening with heavenly light, stretching outwards, and filling the air with a gentle, celestial breeze. I could feel the divine energy emanating from its being, as if it were a conduit between heaven and earth.

There was a serenity about the angel, a calmness that enveloped its majestic form. Yet, within that tranquility, I sensed an unwavering resolve and a burning passion for truth and goodness. It was as if the angel embodied the very essence of Yahweh's justice and compassion, acting as an emissary, sent to deliver a message of hope and liberation.

A voice, deep, soothing, and familiar resonated through the depths of my soul. Its words carried a melodic quality, echoing with a profound authority. Each syllable seemed to vibrate with divine power, stirring a mix of reverence, awe, and fear within me. It was a voice that commanded attention, guiding me on the path that lay before me and instilling within me the courage to fulfill my destiny.

The voice resounded, calling my name twice, "Moses… Moses… Son of Amram, Descendant of Levi…"

Trembling with fear and awe, I responded, "Yes… Here I am." In that moment, I recognized the immense holiness of the place around me. The voice commanded me to remove my sandals, for I was standing on sacred and holy ground.

I complied, humbling myself before the divine presence, removing my sandals and falling to a bow, brought to my knees by the purity and power of this being.

The voice identified itself as the God of my fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Overwhelmed by the weight of the encounter, I instinctively hid my face, unable to bear the intensity of God's glory, as tears began to stream down my face, and His warmth washed over me.

Yahweh spoke to me, acknowledging the sufferings of my people, the Israelites, who were oppressed in Egypt. The cries of their affliction reached the heavens, and God declared His intention to rescue them from their misery.

With great compassion, Yahweh said, "I have come down to deliver them from the hand of the Egyptians, and bring them to a land flowing with milk and honey… A land occupied by the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites." It was a promise of liberation and a new homeland… A place of belonging for the nation of Israel… Our Promised Land.

Then, the voice of the Almighty turned its attention to me. 'Now go, and I will send you to the Pharaoh who rules on this day in Egypt. You will lead my people… YOUR people… The Nation of Israel, out of Egypt, so they may go forth and spread the name of the Lord.' God commanded.

Overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task and doubting my own abilities, I questioned, "Who am I, that I should go to the Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites from Egypt?"

God assured me, "I will be with you. And with you will rest all the authority of Heaven, in My name. And when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship Me on this very mountain, as a sign of true fealty."

Still uncertain, I did something that I don't think anyone has ever dared to do… As foolish as it may have been, I asked, 'If the Israelites ask me for your name, what should I tell them?'

And then, God spoke the sacred name, "I am who I am. Tell them, 'I AM has sent me to you.' 'So you must say to the Israelites, 'YHWH, Lord Yahweh, the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.'

This is my name forever, and this is my remembrance from generation to generation." It was a profound revelation of the most divine essence in existence.