The Voice in the Burning Bush

By Mary Vee
Exodus 3:5-14

A bush was on fire--in the middle of the desert, with nothing else burning around it.  I couldn't help myself, I had to see what caused the fire. 

I'd left the flock resting by the brook, back around the bend, to look for more pastureland. They'd sleep for a while which would free me to walk a little ways.  The heat from the fire warmed my face. 

There weren't signs of anyone camping nearby.  No pots, piles of bramble for kindling, or waste.  Why did the bush burn?

As I took another step forward a voice called to me.  "Moses. Moses!"

Honestly, I didn't know what to say other than, "Here I am."  My feet froze in the scorching sand.

Once again, I checked to see who could have called.  I saw no one. The voice must have come from the burning bush.  I took another step forward.  "Moses, don't walk near to this bush.  Where you are standing is holy ground."  Without thinking, my body jumped back two steps. 

Who spoke to me?  I squinted to get a clearer view of the inside of the bush.  "Moses, I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Jacob."  My heart pounded blood into my head.  I could barely breath.  God, Himself spoke to me! I was afraid I would die.  I needed to hide but there was nowhere in the open desert to go.

I wrapped my arm around my head and sank to my knees. "Moses, I've seen the terrible things happening to My people who are in Egypt, and have heard theri cries.  Each day the taskmasters bring pain and sorrow to them.  I've come to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring My people to a land flowing with milk and honey."

This was great news.  The people would be set free!  I kept my head low and listened.  "Moses, the cry of the children of Israel has come to Me, and I've seen their sorrows which the Egyptian cause.  I will send you to Pharaoh to bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt."

Me?  God wanted me to go back to Egypt and to speak to Pharaoh.  I can't do this.  I-- "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?" 

I scrinched lower to the ground.  How could I?  I don't have power, or the ability to convince Pharaoh to let all those people go.  Why me? 

"Moses, I will be with you. Trust me.  I will be with you.  Here is how you will know that I've sent you: when you bring My people out of Egypt you will serve me on this mountain."

I felt weak.  "If and when I go to the children of Israel and tell them 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you, and they say 'What is His name?' What should I say to them?"

I didn't have to wait a second for the answer.  "I AM who I AM. You will say to the children of Israel, 'I AM' has sent me to you."

*****
What do you think Moses was feeling?
Why did he go to the burning bush?
What did God want Moses to do?

I AM Joseph

By Mary Vee

Genesis 45:9-20

Joseph tried to stop sobbing, but his muscles refused. It was a relief to tell his brothers who he was.  He’d hope they’d crowd close and try to hug him all at once, but they didn’t.  What was I thinking?  They barely know me any more.

He looked at his brothers and called each one by name.  “I am Joseph.  Look, don't be afraid, you aren't the one who sent me here as a slave, but God.  He's made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.”

The brothers shook their heads in disbelief.  Simeon whispered, “He doesn’t look like him. It might be a trick.  Be careful.” 

Joseph tipped his head and swiped away tears. “Oh really?  Shall I repeat words you said the day I was thrown in the pit, brother Simeon?

Simeon's squinted as if trying to see Joseph in the governor's face.

Joseph slid over to Reuben. “Hurry home to father and tell him Joseph is alive.  Let him know God has made me lord of all Egypt.  Bring him here to live, and bring all your families as well.  I will see to it that you and your families never hunger during the remaining five years of famine.

Tell Father that you've seen my own lips give this message and that you’ve seen all God has given me to do in Egypt.  Hurry before he grows hungry and sick.”

Joseph walked to his brother Benjamin, look in his eyes for a moment then hugged him. His head fell on Benjamin’s shoulders as he wept puddles of tears.  “Benjamin. My brother Benjamin, how I’ve longed to see you.”  After a few moments, Joseph moved back to his oldest brother, Reuben then to Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Napthali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, and Zebulun hugging and weeping on each brother’s shoulders. 

Judah walked up to the governor and studied his eyes.  His jaw dropped.  “Joseph?  It’s really you?”

“Yes. I truly am your brother, Joseph."


The brothers laughed and slapped each other on the back.  "It's Joseph!"  


"He's alive--and--a--governor?  Unbelievable." 


"Yeah, maybe we should have thrown you down the pit so you could be king, Dan."  


"Funny, Napthali....very funny.  Here, let me throw you on the floor."


The twelve sons of Jacob spent a few moments swapping stories and updating Joseph about the family.  


When Pharaoh heard the good news about Joseph's brother's visit he was pleased.  "Bring you father and all you families here to me.  I will give you the best of the land of Egypt and you will eat the fat of the land. Take my carts to bring your belongings. Also, don't be concerned about bringing your goods, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours."


The brothers faces lit up with each word from the Pharaoh.   The next morning they left for Canaan.




When the brothers finally admitted the truth and showed they were truly sorry for what they had done to Joseph bad things stopped happening.  God doesn't always teach us this way, but sometimes He does.  God loves us so much that He gave His only Son to take the punishment for our sins that whoever believes in Jesus will not perish but have everlasting life. God will forgive you for whatever you have done wrong.  All you have to do is ask.  


Do you have any questions I can help you with?  You can email me at mimary_vee@yahoo.com.