The One Who Dwells in the Bush

“The one who dwells in the bush…” (Deuteronomy 33:15b)

Moses was trudging across the wilderness of Midian, leading a little band of sheep, when he spied a bush that was on fire, “but it was not being consumed.” So “he turned aside to see this great sight, why the bush did not burn” (Exodus 3:1-3). 

God spoke from the bush: “I am going to send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people out of Egypt” (Exodus 3:10). 

Moses, diminished by repeated failure, demurred: “WHO AM I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (3:11). “Who am I?” Moses was a discouraged, old drover.

God spoke again from the bush: “It doesn’t matter who you are, Moses. I will be with you” (3:11).

“Well then who are you?” Moses asked. And God said, “’I AM.’ That’s who I am. That is my name forever. Never forget it.”

I AM”—the first person singular present grammatical form of the verb “to be.” An active verb. God’s personal name forever.

“I AM”—whatever you need this day, whenever you need it. Do you need strength to hold it together when everything and everyone is going to pieces? Do you need courage to deal with a challenge in your family this day?  Do you need wisdom to know truth from error in the present confusion? Do you need faith to believe that God is in control? Do you need patience and love for the folks with whom you are sheltering? Ask and it will be given. Not all at once, but in due time.

“I AM,” the God who dwells in the bush, is with you. “I AM” is his name forever. 

David Roper

6.28.20