THE CHURCH’S JOURNEY OF FAITH FROM THE BURNING BUSH TO BOUNTIFUL BLESSINGS
Exodus 3:1-8
“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” (Exodus 3:1-2). This was a new, wonderful day, a day like no other, when the angel of the Lord appeared. The bush burned with fire, yet it was not consumed. God says, “I am the LORD, I change not,” therefore, the people of God are not consumed. Just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego passed through the fire and were not consumed, whatever fire burns around this year will not consume you. Any Herod, Athaliah, Pilate, or any Pharaoh that tries to kindle fire against you will fail, and your escape is assured.
- THE PICTURE OF ISRAEL AS THE BURNING BUSH
Exodus 3:2-3,7,9
“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.” (Exodus 3:2-3). Ordinary routine was abandoned by Moses to behold an extraordinary revelation. “And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows” (Exodus 3:7). “Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me, and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them” (Exodus 3:9). Even when the people did not know, heaven had already answered their cry. A deliverer was already being raised by God, and heavenly power was already moving to break every yoke. God has seen, heard, and come down to deliver. When God declared “Enough,” it means Heaven has spoken, the Almighty, the invincible one, and the unconquerable has spoken, and His promise cannot be reversed.
(i) The Plot Against God’s People in Egypt – Exodus 3:7,9; Deuteronomy 4:20. “I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters” (Exodus 3:7). They were oppressed, driven, punished without mercy, denied straw yet forced to meet impossible demands. “But the LORD hath taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, even out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as ye are this day” (Deuteronomy 4:20). Every divine ordination
for you in ministry will be fulfilled, every assignment will be accomplished, for there is no taskmaster of Egypt, magician, and no sorcerer shall be able to stop the counsel of the Lord for you.
(ii) The Persecution of Godly People by The Enemy – Deuteronomy 30:7; 2 Timothy 3:12-14. “And the LORD thy God will put all these curses upon thine enemies, and on them that hate thee, which persecuted thee.” (Deuteronomy 30:7). Persecution is born out of hatred, not love, because love does not afflict or oppress; hatred alone gives rise to persecution, and Scripture plainly connects hatred with those who persecute. Those who assaulted, injured, and opposed the apostle Paul were not friends of Christ or of the church, for anyone who secretly or openly persecutes a child of God or the church of God stands as an enemy. The church still faces persecution today, yet persecution is never stronger than the provision, presence, and promise of God in the life of the believer, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12). Persecution comes because godliness places God first, His word first, His will first, His work and the Great Commission first, and this priority disappoints those who want to be first themselves. Those who live godly hate sin, and by that hatred of sin, the world feels condemned; godliness pierces the conscience of the ungodly, and instead of yielding to conviction and repentance, persecutors choose to attack godliness so that the righteous might be discouraged and retreat.
But persecution does not stop the true believer’s journey, and it does not halt our obedience to God’s call. The passage of time does not change sinners; only the cross and the sacrifice of Christ change a heart, and moving from one year to another does not transform persecutors, for only Christ can do that. “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:13). The strength, faith, and resistance of yesterday are not sufficient for today, because evil does not remain stagnant; plans, plots, and pressures increases from them, and remaining at the same level of faith and commitment as a believer invites being overwhelmed by their pressure. As evil progresses, faith must progress; power must increase; authority must grow. “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.” (2 Timothy 3:14). When persecution rises, that is the time to continue in prayer, upright living, devotion and faithfulness, because nothing will stop the God-given journey or the fulfillment of Christ’s commission in the life of the godly.
(iii) The Preservation of Guarded People from Extermination – Jeremiah 31:35- 36; Matthew 16:18-19. The Lord shows the way, gives direction, and makes known what to do, where to do it, and how to do it. Those who follow the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire live as guided believers. As long as there is submission to the guidance of the Almighty, preservation is assured, because preservation belongs to those who are guided. Such preservation keeps God’s people from extermination. “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). Peter is gone, yet the church remains. Peter is gone, yet Christ is still present. Individuals may pass on, but the church of Christ endures. The church is not built on shifting sand, not built in a low valley, but built upon a solid rock. Because it is Christ’s church, the gates of hell cannot prevail against it. History shows that some churches began well but later disappeared. Many could not be found again because ownership was taken from Christ and claimed by men. When
a church is treated as personal property and authority is removed from Christ and placed in human hands, the gospel in such a church becomes adulterated, and the gates of hell prevail. The church must remain the property of Christ. It must be fully controlled by Christ, not by any single individual who seeks ownership, power, or control. Any assembly owned by man becomes vulnerable, but the church committed to Christ remains preserved. Losing sight of this truth results in lost focus, calling, and spiritual sensitivity.
But when there is a clear understanding that the church belongs to Christ, our confidence stands firm in the promise that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:19). Those who are committed to building the kingdom of heaven are entrusted with the keys of heaven. But when personal kingdoms are built on earth, when resources and people are claimed for self, the keys of heaven are not given. The keys belong to those who seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and such authority is backed by heaven itself.
- THE PRESENCE OF THE INVINCIBLE IN THE BURNING BUSH Exodus 3:4-6
(i) God’s Protective Presence with Them in Egypt – Exodus 3:2,4,6; Isaiah 43:1- 5. “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. Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” (Exodus 3:4,6). Abraham was already dead, yet the promises given to Abraham were still alive. God remembered His covenant. Promises do not die with those who received them. After departure from this world, the promises of God for every family and for His church remain and are fulfilled.
God continues to oversee, protect, and preserve what He has spoken. The response of Moses reveals the proper posture before God. “And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God” (Exodus 3:6). There was no familiarity, pride, or casual attitude towards God. Divine calling and favor did not produce arrogance in Moses but reverence. True guidance, preservation, and true presence of God always produce humility, obedience, and holy fear before the Almighty. Some people do not truly understand the attributes of God, and because of that ignorance, they relate with God carelessly. Some imagine they are demonstrating faith, yet their Christianity is shallow and lacking understanding.
They speak lightly of sacred things, even reducing the reverence due to Christ. Such language reveals a loss of awareness of His dignity, exaltation, and His position as Savior and Lord. This attitude borders on their irreverent attitude, which strips Christ of the honor He deserves. In contrast, Moses feared to look upon God, and that holy reverence was why the favor of God, the anointing of the Spirit, and the power of God rested upon his life. God assured him of His protective presence, even while he was in Egypt. “But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine” (Isaiah 43:1). This promise applies personally to every believer as you embark on journeys, and nothing will hinder them.
As they travel by land, sea, and air, every opposing force will give way. “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee” (Isaiah 43:2). No river, ocean, or power can overwhelm the Almighty. Moving forward at God’s command comes with the assurance of His presence and safe passage for us. “When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee” (Isaiah 43:2).
The journey may include fire, but it will only be a passage, not a place of destruction. Walking through is guaranteed, not perishing. The Lord is your Shepherd, and there will be no lack. Even when passing through the valley of the shadow of death, no evil will prevail against you. The fire will not consume, and neither will the flame harm you.
(ii) Great Powerful Presence with us on Earth – Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 18:9-10. “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:18-20). This abiding presence is constant and unfailing. Challenges may arise. Authorities may question your motive, bring a challenge in your location, or for activities carried out for the sake of the gospel. Yet the promise remains sure: the Lord is always present. He will supply the right words to speak, ignite holy fire in your soul, and establish a calling that cannot be destroyed in your ministry.
His presence sustains every true work done in His name. Wherever God sends His servants, His presence goes with them. No opposing power, spiritual intimidation, nor force of darkness can stand against the authority of Christ. When God sends, He backs His word with power, brings victory over opposition, and draws many to salvation. “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20). God honors obedience, never abandons His own, and remains faithfully present until the very end.
(iii) Glorious, Perpetual Presence with us Throughout Eternity – John 17:17,21- 24; 1 John 3:2-3. “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). Here, reference is made to the present-day believer, and not as people already in heaven, but as believers on earth, because Christ is now seated at the right hand of the Father, making intercession for us. “That they all may be one” (John 17:21). This oneness does not include backsliders, sinners, or those living in rebellion, stubbornness, idolatry, or witchcraft. It cannot include everyone by mere association. Christ was not one or in unity with the Pharisees, just as the apostles were not one with the Sanhedrin, and the people of God have never been one with the followers of Satan. There may be gatherings called churches where tradition and practice still uphold idolatry, but there can be no unity with such.
The question is: “Who are the all” to be one? They are believers, those washed in the blood of the Lamb, called out of sin, made the righteousness of God in Christ, born again, and living the life of the new birth. These are the ones who experience what Jesus prayed for: “Sanctify them through thy truth”. Being in the church alone is not enough, because Judas was in the church and even held office, yet he was not one with the apostles or with Christ, for he was not sanctified. Though he went out two by two to preach, sin remained in his heart. In the same way, revival in Samaria revealed a man named Simon, formerly involved in occult practices. He followed the believers, was baptized in water, and appeared to belong. Yet when Peter and John laid hands on the sanctified believers who received the Holy Ghost, Simon desired the power for himself, showing that he was not one with the church.
There was nothing wrong with the church; the problem was within him. Physical membership does not equal spiritual unity. Sanctification is essential, and its evidence is seen by everyone, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us”. This is not a mere union but a deep unity of heart, spirit, mind, conviction, and action, so that the world may believe that the Father sent the Son. “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory” (John 17:24). This refers only to the saved and sanctified, not to betrayers, deceivers, or lovers of this present world. These are the people of God, united in heart, prepared to behold His glory.
- THE PROMISE OF IRREVERSIBLE, BOUNDLESS BLESSINGS Exodus 3:8,14-15,17
The blessings God gives now are to prepare you for the journey ahead. These are blessings that cannot be reversed. The power of God at work in your life is irreversible.
(i) The Promise: From Bitter Bondage to Bountiful Blessings – Exodus 3:8,17; Ezekiel 20:6. “And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites” (Exodus 3:8). Every life will indeed flow with milk and honey. Your family: wife, children, husband, will dwell in a land flowing with milk and honey. Where there was no job before, jobs will now welcome you. Scarcity and famine have ended and have been completely removed. This year in ministry with you marks a turning point, a season of great and abundant outpouring, where milk and honey will truly flow into the work of God.
(ii) The Provision: From Bountiful Blessings to Better Borders – Deuteronomy 11:10-12; Ezekiel 36:11. Every place you reached in previous years where progress stopped at hard walls is now broken down. The Jericho walls are falling, and the entrance is granted. The Word of God makes it clear that the journey is from bountiful blessings into better borders, and the Lord will surely fulfill this in your life. “And I will multiply upon you man and beast” (Ezekiel 36:11).
Increase is coming into your assembly: men will be multiplied, and women of virtue, righteousness, and honor shall gather in great numbers. Fruitfulness will abound, and settlement is established in your ministry. There will be no more instability or restless searching; settlement has come. “And I will settle you after your old estates, and will do better unto you than at your beginnings: and ye shall know that I am the LORD” (Ezekiel 36:11). Better than the beginning is your portion, and this truth is to be believed, confessed, and embraced.
(iii) The Prospect: From Better Borders to Beautiful Beulah – 1 Corinthians 2:9- 10; Revelation 2:7,17,25-29. This year will reveal things you have never seen before in ministry, and open doors will lead you to places you have never entered before. Great opportunities are ahead. “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). What is written for you by God will stand, and it will override every plan of darkness, scheme of persecution, and every attempt to cause stumbling. Only what is written for you will prevail. For those who love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, spirit, family, and substance, this year marks a new beginning. What has never been seen before will now be experienced. Miracles, manifestations, and ministrations never experienced before will be revealed. This is the year of newness.
