Sunday 7th June | Ellie Doolan
Readings
Reflection
In Exodus 3, we see one of the clearest examples of Jesus being present in the Old Testament. Moses meets with Jesus in the burning bush.At first reading, this may seem odd. But Jesus himself, in John 5, claims that Moses wrote about Jesus, even though he lived centuries before Jesus took on human form on earth.Notice in Exodus 3:14 that Moses asks God to give him his name. God’s response: “I am who I am”. This reminds us of the “I AM” statements of Jesus in the Gospels. It means that Jesus’ claim to the Pharisees in John 8:58 that “before Abraham was, I AM” is a claim to be the God of the burning bush - the God Moses met that day.
Moses would continue to encounter Jesus throughout the Exodus story - in the crossing of the Red Sea, in the Passover Lamb, in the Rock and Pillar of Cloud that would lead them through the wilderness, the Manna that fell from heaven and the living Water in Exodus 17.
Moses knew Jesus - what an amazing thought! And what is more amazing is that we can know Jesus too. A week ago we celebrated Pentecost, where we remember that God has called each of us who are full of the Holy Spirit to share the Gospel with everyone, through our words, actions and calling. It is a big job! Moses also was given a big job. In fact, Moses felt completely inadequate for the job - and he was.
He says to the burning bush: Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (v 11)
The reply: God said, “I will be with you” (v 12).
The only reason Moses could do what God was asking of him was because he knew the presence of God with him. If you feel inadequate, know that the God of the ages, the God of the Old AND New Testaments is the same God that led Moses and his people out of slavery. God promises he is with you.
Prayers
Everlasting God,
Thank you that you are the same yesterday, today and forever. Thank you that as you led the Israelites out of slavery and into freedom, you go before us too.
We pray for your Holy Spirit to fill us afresh today. May we know you with us and help us to remember that in your presence is all that we need.
Amen.
Collect
Almighty and everlasting God,
You have given us your servants grace,
By the confession of a true faith,
To acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity
And in the power of the divine majesty to worship the Unity:
Keep us steadfast in this faith,
That we may evermore be defended from all adversities;
Through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
Who is alive and reigns with you,
In the unity of the Holy Spirit,
One God, now and for ever.
Amen.
