076. EXO 3:2-6. THE BURNING BUSH

Exo_3:2-6. The Burning Bush

"And the Angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush," &c.’97Exo_3:2-6.

The life of Moses was divided into three distinct and equal periods. Forty years he dwelt in the court of Pharaoh; forty, as a shepherd in the desert; and forty years did he go before the children of Israel, as their leader to the promised land. Our text relates to his history at the end of the second period, when Jehovah appeared unto him, and called him to go forth to Pharaoh and demand the liberation of his people. The burning bush was a striking emblem of God’s suffering church.

Let us, I. Illustrate the Resemblance subsisting between them. And then, II. Attempt a useful Improvement of it.

Let us, then,

I. Illustrate the Resemblance between the Burning Bush and the Church of God.

The parallel will hold,

1. In reference to the humble and lowly appearance of the church.

The metaphor is not that of the lofty cedar or the majestic oak; but a mere thorny bush, a sort of contemptible bramble. Now, the church of God has generally presented to the eye of the world a lowly and contemptible appearance. At this time the church was in bondage in Egypt; in a state of degradation and slavery. Look at the Christian church during the days of the Redeemer on earth. Principally composed of publicans, tax-gatherers, and fishermen. Even yet, not many rich, or great, or noble are called. The reason may be: because we cannot be Christ’s disciples, and love riches; and it is difficult, if riches increase, not to set out hearts upon them. We cannot love and pursue the fashions of the world, and seek the honors of men, and be true members of Christ’s spiritual church. The church has got no pompous services’97no priests arrayed in gorgeous robes’97no earthly splendor to attract; but she is formed of faithful souls, who dwell in the depths of selfabasement, and who put on the lowly garments of humility. Notice,

2. The elevation of the church.

The bush was seen by Moses in Mount Horeb. Though the church is humble in herself, yet she is elevated before men, and her basis is the Rock of Ages. Jesus has beautifully described this: "Ye are the lights of the world." "A city set on a hill, that cannot be hid." The erection of the temple on Zion strikingly sets forth the true elevation of the church. Hence, Isaiah says: "The mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains." "And in this mountain the Lord of Hosts will make a feast for all people." Isa_2:2; Isa_25:6.

Observe,

3. The situation of the church.

The burning bush was beheld in the desert or wilderness. The church is in the world; which is very aptly likened to the wilderness. And ancient Israel, passing through the wilderness to the land of promise, is an exact emblem of the church in her progress to the heavenly state. The world is fitly represented as a wilderness, on account of its sterility and barrenness, dangers, storms, &c. The prophets often described the church as being in a wilder ness state. Isaiah says: "In the wilder ness shall waters break out," &c.; Isa_41:19. Eze_34:25; Hos_2:14 Son_3:6.

4. The condition of the church.

"And behold, the bush burned with fire," The bush appeared to be enveloped in flames. This was intended to represent the suffering condition of Israel in Egypt It equally applies to the church in all ages. The condition of the church is that of suffering. Sufferings are forcibly represented by fire on two accounts.

(1) On account of their seventy. And,

(2) On account of their purifying influence.

Now, this suffering condition applies to God’s church in all ages. Abel, from Cain; Noah, from the antediluvians; Israelites, in Egypt’97again, in the wilderness, in Babylon, &c. New Testament edition of the church: apostolic age; a series of them during the first four centuries: then by Mohammed; then by Antichrist; Germany, France, Britain; see Heb_11:32 to end.

Now, these sufferings of the church,

(1) Keep her separate from the world; make her sons and daughters tried ones; separate the chaff from the wheat; 1Pe_1:7.

(2) They conform the church to her suffering Head. Captain of our salvation was made perfect by sufferings. "In the world ye shall have tribulation." See Pet. 1Pe_4:12-14; Php_3:10. Notice,

5. The preservation and perpetuity of the church.

"And the bush was not consumed." God’s church has increased in the fire, and has been perpetuated in spite of the devouring flame. And this is truly wonderful! Men of all ranks and countries have combined against her. All nations have conspired to overthrow her. The kings of the earth have covenanted to raise her. And yet, she lives and triumphs! Her enemies have been sepulchred one after another. Pharaoh and his host sank like lead in the mighty waters’97the Canaanitish kings were destroyed’97Amalek was blotted out of existence’97Belshazzar was slain’97Herod was eaten up of worms. The very cities and empires over which they reigned have disappeared. And the church of God still grows, and is daily multiplied. Blood of the martyrs was the seed of the church. Observe,

6. The divine presence in the church.

"God called unto him out of the midst of the bush." Now, in this the preservation of the church of God is accounted for. God is in the midst of her; therefore, she is not moved."

(1) He is in the midst of her, to strengthen her for her conflicts.

(2) To comfort and sustain her in them.

(3) To bring her safely through them.

(4) To ward off the strokes of her foes, and to overrule them for her real good.

It is God’s presence that preserves the church. It was so with Daniel in the den the three worthies in the fire. And this is his own promise; Isa_43:2. See, also, Isa_12:6; Zep_3:14; Zec_2:5. Son of Man was seen in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; so, also, he was seen as a lamb, in the midst of the throne. Notice,

7. The sanctity of the church.

"The place whereon thou standest is holy ground." Not, literally, more than any other ground; but because of the presence of the Lord. So, Christ’s church is sanctified.

"A holy nation." "A peculiar people, zealous of good works." Holy services’97holy privileges’97holy joys, &c. Eph_2:19. Notice,

8. The preparation God demands of all those who seek fellowship with him and his people.

"Put off thy shoes from off thy feet Here it is implied,

(1) That we must become separated from all sinful pursuits.

(2) That we must cultivate reverential feelings towards Him.

(3) That we must approach him with deep humility and filial fear. And,

(4) That we do not come to Him in our own strength and righteousness; but in that mediatorial way which he hath appointed. Notice,

9. The encouragement he gives to his church.

"I am the God of Abraham," &c. As such, he is faithful and true’97merciful and long-suffering’97abundant in goodness and compassion. As he was with them, and guided, and blessed, and protected; so he will be with, guide, bless, and protect his church throughout all ages.

Let us,

II. Attempt an Improvement of this Subject.

1. Let the enemies of the church cease so reckless and foolish an attack.

2. Let the people of God trust implicitly in the Lord, who is in the midst of them, and fear not.

3. Let them cultivate that spirit of reverence, holiness, and humility, which will secure the divine approbation and blessing. And,

4. Let sinners with contrition seek "the good-will of him who dwelt in the bush.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS