Burned yet not Consumed

"BURNED YET NOT CONSUMED"

Lessons from the burning bush

 

Exodus 3:1-4 -Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.

   I think that it can be safe to say that almost every Christian has heard or read the story of the "burning bush."  That bush was the beginning of Moses' journey to free His people and change their lives forever. When we talk about this story we usually focus on Moses. We talk about his response- we talk about what amazing things he did. But it all started with the burning bush. God used the bush to change Moses' life forever. And God can use you to change other people's lives forever. 

    Now, I want you to picture yourself as that bush. The bush, in and of itself, was nothing important or different. It was what was in it that made it special. It was on fire-yet it was not destroyed. As a Christian we have the opportunity to be a light for the Lord. We have the ability to be used of God.

THE BURNING BUSH:

1. It was just a bush

    We need to be humble tools in the hands of our master. We're like that lonely bush on the mountain-alone, small, and worthless. But when God sets us on fire-when he dwells within us-we become something of value. A bush didn't change Moses' life-the fire within it did.  As a Christian we should be different from the world. We have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. That sets us apart. Romans 12:2- And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. God was able to use Moses in amazing ways, but first he had to grab his attention. God wants to use you to reach others. He wants you to have contagious faith. Something that spreads from yourself to another. Be willing to stand out for the cause of Christ. God can't use you if you blend in with everyone else. Be willing to stand alone for Him. There wasn't really any thing significant or important about the bush, and there isn't of us either. It's when we let God use us that makes the difference. 

2. It was burning 

     The Christian life is not an easy life. It has its challenges. Many of them. God didn't promise us an easy life- he just promised to help us through life. Often, God sends fire our way. He sends us tribulations and sometimes suffering. But He doesn't send it to consume us, but to grow us. In order for us to shine we have to take the flame. 

Pain is inevitable-growth is optional. 

    In order for us to be used of God we must be willing to be "used up." It's not easy, sometimes it's painful. But if it brings glory to God in the end it's all worth it. The burning bush was on fire-it was under the heat-but it was not consumed. God protects His people. If we willingly pour out our lives for Him he will always provide safety.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 - We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
    The only way that we can succeed in the Christian life is to be willing to sacrifice all for the cause of Christ. Would you be willing to give up your earthly riches? Would you be willing to give up your freedom in this great country to reach a lost people group? In order for us to fully please the Lord we must sacrifice things for Him. True love is sacrificial love. Be willing to be used up by God. It might hurt sometimes but God will always bring us through the fire.

3. It was not consumed
   The markings of a great Christian is an individual who overcame great obstacles in their life by having consistent faith in the Lord.

become consumed with God instead of the cares of this world

 God gives us the strength to overcome the trials in our life. Instead of being knocked over by the flames of difficulty in your life get on fire for God. Instead of being consumed by fear and anxiety be consumed with the Saviour who delivers you from all suffering. Be like the burning bush. Be an example for other's to follow. The only way you can rise above your suffering is to be consumed with the creator of all things. Be willing to be used up  for the Lord. Be consumed with Him. Trials will come. The flames will come. But God is near. And if we turn to Him in our times of need he will make sure we are not consumed.

Get on fire for God and He will consume your life. He'll quench the flames and use your trials to influence others for His glory. Be a burning bush. Shine God's light.