What is that in your hand?

Exodus 4-1-5 (all of chapters 3 and 4).

I have always wanted to preach on this passage, but never have. As I considered what to share on this Sunday when we honor those graduating from various schools, I was led again to this text. I think for a number of reasons.

This is a great moment in the life of Moses. He's standing, as it were, at a crossroad in his life. Of course, right in front of him is the burning bush, and God is speaking to him from the midst of it. He could turn away, or he could stay. He chose to stay and hear God out.

God had a great task for Moses--go to the most powerful ruler on planet earth and tell him to let God's people go free. (Remember, the Israelites were providing untold hours of free labor for the Pharaoh.) It is no wonder that Moses had some excuses. The dialog between Moses and God, though somewhat anthropomorphic, shows  God's extreme patience with us, his willingness to provide for our fears, and his awesome power which takes what little we have to offer and empowers that with his power.

And that is the message I hope to convey in this sermon.

Sort of related to this sermon, but not really, is the question of the location of Mount Sinai, where Moses first encountered the burning bush and later came with the Israelites and received the 10 Commandments. The traditional site is in the southern section of the Sinai Peninsula. If you are interested, here is a site that reviews the info, and another one that argues for a different location. I also like this Rabbi's conclusion.

Thanks for digging deeper.
(By the way, I will be on vacation the next to Sundays.)