A Burning Question

For years, television quiz shows have been popular. Each week, millions of people tune into shows like Deal or No Deal, 1 vs. 100, or the old standby Jeopardy. Each contestant is asked to answer questions and according to their answer they can win money or prizes.
The burning question for people of faith is, “Who is God?” That is the question confronting Moses in Exodus 3. He stands before a burning bush and finds out that within the bush is the presence of God. But there is a twist to this story. God doesn’t expect Moses to come up with the right answer on his own. God reveals himself to Moses and tells Moses who He is. Ironically, the answer is unique…God is who God is. You might have guessed that one!
From this burning bush incident we can gather three things about God which can help us know more about God. First, God sees and hears people. Therefore, we know God is aware and paying attention to the world, especially those who are suffering. Second, God plans and acts. God tells Moses that Moses will be God’s instrument to deliver the Hebrew people from their oppression. This is no passive, “out to lunch” God. We know our God is involved and cares deeply for those who follow Him. Third, God gives the people an identity. As one of God’s followers, each person becomes an heir. God has a people and through that people a covenant has been established. Our God says “I am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” and therefore, God is relational. We know that God wants to have a relationship with each follower. So, what do you believe about God? Do you simply acknowledge that there is a God? Many in our society think they are religious because they believe there is a God. I disagree. The Bible teaches that God is relational and wants to be in each of our lives. Being a Christian involves more than thinking there is a God or even simply attending a church. There is an old saying goes, “being in a church doesn’t make someone a Christian just like standing in a garage doesn’t make someone a car.” Having a relationship with God is letting go of what each of individual wants and living an obedient life of asking God what God wants for us. Choosing such a life leads to a deep relationship with God and is the only truly fulfilling life. Moses learned these three things about God. It was a difficult job in leading the children out of Egypt, but Moses chose to listen to and follow God. You can too! God loves you.