What does an ancient story about a royal-turned-shepherd and a miraculous brush fire have to do with your life today? Let’s find out.

Have you ever felt unqualified for something? Moses, the main human character in this story, knew what that was like.

This famous Bible story shows us how we can bravely step into the calling that God has placed on our lives today.

I hope it helps you find peace, strength, and confidence in God.

Where Is This Story in the Bible?

The story of Moses and the burning bush is found in Exodus 3-4. But before we get to that, let’s go back to the end of the previous book, Genesis.

At the end of the book, Joseph, a Hebrew, worked as a royal official in Egypt and brought his large extended family to live in Egypt, too. The story of Exodus begins hundreds of years later. By this time, the Hebrews had multiplied into a nation of people, and a new dynasty ruled in Egypt—one with no sentimental or positive historical ties to Joseph’s people.

In Exodus 1, Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, feels threatened by the growing Hebrew population. He orders for the Hebrews to be enslaved and for every newborn Hebrew boy to be thrown into the Nile River.

In Exodus 2, a Hebrew woman places her newborn in a basket and sets him afloat on the Nile, in an attempt to save his life. Not long after, he’s found by Pharaoh’s daughter, who chooses to raise him and name him Moses.

Moses grows up in the royal family. But everything changes when, as an adult, he defends a Hebrew slave who is being beaten by an Egyptian. Moses kills the Egyptian and flees to the wilderness, where he becomes a shepherd in a small region called Midian. There, he finds a wife and has children.

But while Moses lives in the countryside, his people continue to suffer in Egypt. Exodus 2 closes with this line:

So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them. Exodus 2:25 NIV

From there, Exodus 3 begins with Moses encountering the burning bush.

A Summary of the Moses and the Burning Bush Bible Story

Moses is out in the wilderness when he sees a bush on fire that doesn’t burn up.
Moses approaches the bush, and God calls out to him.
God calls to Moses from within the bush and tells him to take off his sandals, because the ground on which he’s standing is holy.
God tells Moses that He’s heard the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt, and that He has a plan to save them.
God tells Moses to go to Pharaoh to liberate the Hebrews.
God gives Moses different signs and wonders he can use to convince the Israelites and Pharaoh that he’s been sent by God, such as his staff turning into a snake when thrown down.
Moses is hesitant to do as God asked, believing he doesn’t have the public speaking skills necessary to accomplish this mission. He even asks God to send someone else.
God tells Moses that his brother Aaron will help him with this mission.
Moses obeys God, and he and his wife and children travel back to Egypt.

Key Bible Verse

But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.” Exodus 3:11-12 NIV

A Deeper Dive Into the Story

I’ll ask again: Have you ever felt unqualified for something you’ve felt called to?

Moses could relate. When God called Moses to liberate his people, Moses struggled with having enough confidence and faith to step into what God was calling him to.

We see many different instances of Moses’ doubt in Exodus 3-4:

But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” Exodus 3:11 NIV
Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?” Exodus 4:1 NIV
Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” Exodus 4:10 NIV
But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” Exodus 4:13 NIV

Over and over again, Moses questioned whether or not he was capable or qualified. Yet, God met Moses where he was and gave him what he needed to complete the mission set forth for him. He even sent Moses’ brother, Aaron, to help him.

Have you doubted God’s goodness or His plan for your life? We have a loving God who responds to our weakness with love and patience. He provides us with the tools and strength we need to obey and serve Him.

Old Testament Bible Stories

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