"Now when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush." - Act 7:30 ESV.
Throughout history, stories have served as the backbone of cultures, shaping our understanding and connection to one another. Jesus, a master storyteller, often used parables to convey profound truths, engaging both the intellect and the emotions of his listeners. Stories appeal to us because sometimes we see ourselves in the very characters or the events being told. Once that identification is achieved, we are engaged, whether to be inspired, awakened, corrected or simply to learn. As the renowned novelist Ursula K. Le Guin once said, "There have been great societies that did not use the wheel, but there have been no societies that did not tell stories."
Stephen's retelling of Moses' story in Acts 7 is a masterful example of how a well-crafted narrative can illuminate profound truths. Picture Moses, a fragile infant born into a world of danger, finding sanctuary in the most unexpected of places – the very household of his people's oppressor. This twist of fate echoes the words of Joseph in Genesis 50:20, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good." It's a powerful reminder that even in our darkest hours, the hand of divine providence is at work, orchestrating a symphony of redemption from the cacophony of our circumstances.
Yet, Moses' journey was far from a straight path to greatness. His premature attempt to fulfill his calling, resulting in exile, serves as a cautionary tale. How often do we, in our eagerness to make a difference, rush ahead of God's timing? But then again, Moses' forty years in the wilderness of Midian weren't wasted; they were a crucible, refining his character and preparing him for the monumental task ahead.
However, the passage of time and the sting of rejection can dull our sense of purpose. Idleness and inactivity can cause us to care less about those whom, in our early idealism, we wanted so much to serve and care for. Moses, content with his quiet life as a shepherd, had to be jolted back to his divine mission through the dramatic encounter at the burning bush. This reminds us that disconnection from our calling can lead to a dangerous complacency.
The call of God, when it finally comes, often arrives at the most unexpected moments. It's a summons that demands our full attention and response. Moses' initial hesitation reflects our own human frailty, but God's patience and persistence demonstrate His unwavering commitment to His chosen instruments. As we navigate our own journeys, let us remain open to the whispers and shouts of the divine, ready to step into our calling with courage and conviction.
In the end, Stephen's retelling of Moses' story isn't just a history lesson; it's an invitation to recognize the extraordinary narrative God is weaving in our own lives. Each twist and turn, each triumph and setback, is a brushstroke in a masterpiece far grander than we can imagine. If your spiritual life has been in pause mode for quite some time, it's time to wake up to this new reality. It's time to face your own burning bush, gather the courage to remove your sandals, acknowledging the holy ground of God's calling, and step forward into the adventure He has prepared for you.
