Read: Exodus 3:1–15
God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” He said further, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, I am has sent Me to you.” Exodus 3:14
God refused to be controlled. The mysteries of God would not be explored and exposed by Moses’ turning aside to thoroughly inspect a burning bush in an attempt to explain it. Pharaoh would not keep God’s people bound when God chose to set them free. God’s name would not be made known just for the mere asking of it. God simply is, and the only appropriate response to God’s awesome presence and power is worship.
This is not a comforting reality for those of us who like to be in control. We are proud people who don’t like to be told what to do. But for Moses, an alien in a foreign land, a murderer in hiding, and an unlikely leader in the making, the proclamation that God was in control must have been somewhat liberating. God is, Pharaoh is not. The promised land was Israel’s future, Egypt was not. God was in control, Moses was not.
How do you respond to a God who refuses your control?
Lord, I desire to domesticate You. I want to control You. I want to craft You in an image that is pleasing to me. I want to call You by Your first name. But You rightly refuse my will by refusing my arrogant requests. Thank You for putting me in my place. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN