Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
This chapter is one of the most significant in the Old Testament. It isn't the first time God has revealed himself to his people, but it is the first time he has revealed his name: ‘I AM’. Whole books have been written about what this means. Perhaps we can just note here that names limit people. They say who we are, and who we aren't. But ‘I AM’ is beyond all limits and all categories; he just is, and the only way we can know him is if he reveals himself to us in ways we can understand. In the Old Testament, that's through laws and stories. In the New Testament, it's through Jesus.
There have been attempts to explain the Burning Bush which Moses saw as a natural phenomenon – perhaps the spontaneous ignition of a dry plant in the hot desert sun. That misses the point: it's a revelation of God to Moses, a way of calling him to come and listen instead of passing by. When he approaches, he finds he's on holy ground in the presence of God.
In his poem ‘The Bright Field‘, the poet RS Thomas recalls seeing the sun break through to light up a small field. He goes on his way, and forgets it. But it makes him think of what he has missed by not turning aside to watch a miracle: perhaps at that moment God was calling. Are there burning bushes or bright fields that we've ignored because we haven't been curious about what God is doing, or convinced enough that he speaks to us today?
God, thank you that you spoke to Moses, and thank you that you speak to me. Help me to watch for your presence and listen to your voice.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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