Hear the Call

Exodus 3:1-6, 13-14 (Moses’ call)

Connecting Question

What’s something you are curious about?

Who continues to push you to learn about yourself or the world around you?

Prayer for Illumination

Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that as the Scriptures are read and your Word is proclaimed, may we hear with joy what you say to us today. Amen.

Context

Our series, HEAR THE CALL will look to Old Testament stories of Abram, Moses, David, Esther, Isaiah, and Jonah, each one had a calling and each one heard in their own ways. We can take heart knowing that they had difficulty with what God asked. We know God is calling each of us. What is your call? When we look at Easter, how do we know what God’s call is for Easter? How far will God call us to go? Let’s Hear the Call together.

From Pastor Richard Nysse at EntertheBible.org:

The Book of Exodus can be read as testimony of God’s faithfulness to Israel, of God’s special attention to the oppressed, and of the law as a covenantal gift from God. The people of Israel are freed from service to Pharaoh in Egypt for service to YHWH, the LORD. The preface to the Ten Commandments sets the core message: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery” (20:2). From this core, Israel forges practices of social justice and liturgical commemoration. The book also depicts Israel’s persistent and increasing rebellion against serving YHWH as they travel through the wilderness. The foundational narratives of Israel’s rebellion and obedience are bracketed by YHWH’s persistent fidelity to the covenant with Israel. Readers are to understand these narratives as anchor points for shaping the covenantal story from generation to generation.

Look at the Book

Open to Exodus 1:6-14. How does the book of Exodus begin? What do you notice?
There is tension in the story right away. What were the reasons given for putting the Israelites into slavery?
“Did not remember Joseph” here is key. How are some ways we forget our history here in this country? What happens when we do?
Jump to Exodus 3:1. What information are we given right away?
The phrase “into the wilderness” is powerful. When was a time Jesus went into the wilderness? Why would Jesus want us to connect his time in the wilderness to a story like this one?
What season of life can be like a wilderness? Why?
What was Moses doing in the wilderness? Why has that become an enduring image for our relationships with God? Does it speak to you? How?
A “messenger” appears. Who has been a messenger—for faith--in your life? How?
What emotion would you use to describe Moses response in verse 3?
If God uses a burning bush to get Moses’s attention, how has God tried to get your attention? Or is trying to do so right now?
Who does the actual calling? Why does this matter in a society where efficiency and self-determination seem prized?
What is the warning in verse 5? Why is it there?
In verse six, how does God choose to introduce themselves to Moses? What does that say about God?
Lots of ink has been spilled about Exodus 3:13-14 and what it may mean. What does Moses want? What does God want people to know about God?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?

Taking it Home

Tell about a time you ignored a burning bush in your life. Tell about a time when you helped someone else hear God’s call in their life. What was that like?

God of the promise, you call your people together into your one mission in Christ’s name. Make us brave, grant us peace, challenge our expectations, and empower us to truly follow your Spirit’s lead. You are our one God who calls us together as one people, and we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Grow Guide | Sept 15, 2024