LENT: EXODUS 3

 Lenten devotions: Exodus 3 

(please read the chapter before reading this devotion)

We came to the pivotal point of Slavery story. At the end of the previous chapter people of Israel cried out and God have heard and remembered the covenant to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 2:24-25). There should be a comment on “remembering.” This term doesn’t mean that God forgot something, what it means – He will begin to act upon this covenant. This is important: for a while Jew suffered but did not call or prayed to God. As soon as they did – He immediately decided to intervene.

Now to the chapter at hand. This is the famous story of the burning bush. There are many stories, paintings, movies, and other pieces of art based on the event, let alone theological commentaries. What is important to note here is the fact that Moses spent about 40 years in the wilderness (Acts 7:23 tells he was 40 years when he ran out of pharaoh). He had great experience of guarding sheep, fighting with wild animals, and dealing with snakes and serpents (it will be important for the next chapter). That’s why it is an important habit to read the Bible slow, careful.

Let’s slowly read verse 2b: “He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed.” What to notice here? It was not the first burning bush Moses saw in the wilderness. Burning bushes are not rare plants. Usually, the researchers would point to Dictamnus Albus. There two things that should be said here: one, even though the plant can be found every where from Spain to China, it is not present at the Sinai peninsula. Second, way more important, even if there was a natural explanation for the burning to start, but not for burning to continue. That’s what the Bible is pointing out “it was not consumed.”

During this time of Lent, I would recommend to slow down paying more attention to the spiritual aspects of life. Read the Scripture, but read it carefully, savoring every phrase, every word. Go to church, but go to church intentionally, thinking about every moment of Divine Service. Exercise your vocation, thinking about how and when you can extend a hand of support and a word of witness, sharing the love of God.