It was a “great sight,” as Moses described it. In the barren wilderness surrounding the rocky heights of Mount Horeb, there would be but little vegetation. The rough bushes, therefore, scattered here and there, would be easily discerned.
One of these was seen to be on fire. And yet, dry and brittle as its stems and branches would be, it burnt on and on and was not consumed.
Moses drew near to gaze upon so great a sight. Shall we also seek to draw near with the question, “What did this great sight mean?” Perhaps it had more meanings than one.
1. It may be that the burning bush in the wilderness was intended to represent the children of Israel, at that time in Egypt, undergoing great affliction, a veritable furnace of suffering. But they were not consumed. On the contrary they seemed still to grow and multiply. And why? God was with them. His mighty power kept them in being. They were in themselves but a feeble bush in the wilderness, but they were safe, indestructible, till God’s purpose for them was fulfilled.
2. It may be that Moses was to see himself represented in the burning bush. He was to be called to a great work, called to confront a powerful and cruel king. How could he do it? He was but a feeble human being, a bush in the wilderness. But no power could harm him, for the fire of the Omnipotent God should dwell in him. He would not be consumed.
3. But a step higher still brings us to a vision of what should be long years later. The Lord Jesus Himself is before us―true Man, “bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh”―a bush of the wilderness, but the glory of God was with Him and in Him. “One God, one Mediator, the Man Christ Jesus.” That Blessed bush of the wilderness was not consumed upon the Cross, and He rose again, in great power and glory on the Resurrection Day― “Emmanuel, God with us.”
Are we in sore trial, in the furnace of affliction? Let us take comfort, God is with us there.
Are we called to some important and difficult work? Let us not fear; if God is with us, the living fire of His Presence will be our strength.
Do we feel the need of a Friend, as mighty as tender? Let us turn to the Heart of Jesus, lean on His love and power. We shall find a Fire that is never extinguished, but is everlasting.
Margaret Esdaile.