God’s Awareness #3—Responsive Looking

Yahweh’s messenger allowed Moses to see him as a blazing fire in the midst of a bush … When Yahweh saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Exodus 3:2–4

Sometimes God reveals himself as a blazing fire; sometimes as a weary traveler. Sometimes he appears as a pillar of cloud; sometimes as a storm in the desert. Sometimes he appears seated on an exalted throne; sometimes as a fantastical arrangement of interconnected wheels. He even revealed himself by living among us in the person of Jesus. Usually, however, we encounter God through his other earthly representatives, the human beings he creates in his image. How we apprehend God seems unimportant compared to how we respond when we do encounter him. For God watches closely to see our reaction to his revelation. Abraham recognized him when he approached his camp. Job listened when Yahweh spoke from the whirlwind. At noon, the woman at the well ran to tell her neighbors when it dawned on her that Jesus was the Messiah. Had Moses ignored the unusual flames, he would have missed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. God watches to see if we respond and engage with him. The One who created us and who knows our names sees our interest and calls to us. So we would be wise to remain alert and ready, with our eyes open to his signals, and our ears to his voice. While his revelation might be amazing, our subsequent experiences with him will be more so. No regrets!

Mysterious Majesty, who shows yourself so creatively, grab my attention today, for the glory of your name and the freedom of your people.