Finding Christ in the Old Testament - Exodus 3:1 - 6

Finding Christ in the Old Testament
Exodus 3:1–6

“And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush.” (Exodus 3:2)

The appearance of the Angel of the LORD in the burning bush is not a mere symbol but a theophany—the visible manifestation of the pre-incarnate Christ. The bush burns but is not consumed, a holy paradox signifying the presence of the eternal God in the midst of temporal creation. Here, God calls Moses by name, commanding him to remove his sandals, for the ground is made holy by His presence. This divine presence foreshadows the Incarnation, when Christ would take on flesh and dwell among us—not consuming our nature but sanctifying it. As Moses stands barefoot before the holy fire, so we approach Christ who, though veiled in humility, reveals the full glory of God. God identifies Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, grounding His promise in covenantal faithfulness. This God is not distant but present, speaking, calling, and sending. In Christ, the voice from the bush takes on flesh, calls sinners by name, and leads them not merely out of Egypt, but from death to life.

Devotion
God draws near not to destroy, but to redeem. He appears in fire that does not consume and speaks with a voice that calls us to reverence and obedience. Christ is both the fire and the voice—the Holy One who descends to dwell with sinners, to call us by name, and to lead us to Himself.

New Testament Verse:
John 1:14 (ESV)
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Collect
O Lord, who appeared to Moses in the bush that burned but was not consumed, reveal Yourself also to us through Your Son, who is the true and living Word. Kindle in our hearts a holy fear and a steadfast faith, that we may hear Your call and follow where You lead; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Hymn Verse:
Let me be Thine forever,
My faithful God and Lord;
Let me forsake Thee never
Nor wander from Thy Word.
Lord, do not let me waver,
But give me steadfastness,
And for such grace forever
Thy holy name I'll bless.

LSB 689:1 – “Let Me Be Thine Forever”