June 8, 2025

DAILY BIBLE READING

Exodus 3 – The Call at the Burning Bush – When God Calls Your Name

Moses’ Encounter with God at Horeb – A Story of Calling, Excuses, and Trust

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Bible Text – Exodus 3 (KJV)

¹ 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.

² 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.

³ And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.

⁴ 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.

⁵ And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.

⁶ Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.

⁷ 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;

⁸ 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.

⁹ 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.

¹⁰ Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.

¹¹ And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?

¹² And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.

¹³ And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?

¹⁴ And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you.

¹⁵ And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, the Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.

¹⁶ Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt:

¹⁷ And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey.

¹⁸ And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The Lord God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God.

¹⁹ And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.

²⁰ And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go.

²¹ And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty.

²² But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians.

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Introduction

The story of Moses at the burning bush is one of the Bible’s most famous call narratives. It doesn’t take place in a temple or a royal court but right in the middle of everyday life—as Moses tends sheep in the wilderness. God appears to Moses in a flame that burns yet does not consume the bush—a sign of God’s presence: holy yet merciful.

In a world filled with uncertainty where many search for meaning and purpose, this chapter speaks directly to us: God calls—personally, by name, in the midst of our daily routines. Yet like Moses, we often ask: Who am I? Why me? What if I fail?

This story shows how God not only calls but also equips, accompanies, and reveals Himself: “I will be with you.”

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Commentary

1. The Place of the Call – The Wilderness as God’s Classroom

Moses is far from Egypt’s power, living a simple, secluded life. Yet it is here—in the solitude and stillness of the desert—that he meets God.
Spiritual Principle: God often calls us in our “wilderness” seasons—times of retreat, silence, and hidden growth.

2. The Revelation – A Burning Bush That Is Not Consumed

The flame symbolizes God’s presence: holy, purifying, mysterious—but also preserving. God does not destroy what He touches.
Application: When God touches your life, He transforms rather than destroys.

3. God’s Call and Moses’ Response

God calls Moses by name—twice—and Moses replies, “Here I am.” Immediately, God tells him to remove his sandals because the ground is holy, then reveals Himself as the faithful God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Spiritual Principle: God is both deeply personal (He knows your name) and supremely holy—calling us to reverence.

4. God’s Mission – Delivering His People

God has seen Israel’s suffering and heard their cries, and now He acts—through Moses.
Application: God changes the world not only by miracles but through people willing to be sent.

5. Moses’ Objections and God’s Assurance

Moses asks, “Who am I?” God’s response isn’t flattery but the heart of every calling: “I will be with you.”
Lesson: It’s not about who you are, but who is with you.

6. God’s Name Revealed – “I AM WHO I AM”

Moses wants to know what name to give, and God declares Himself “I AM WHO I AM”—a name of being, constancy, eternity, presence, and faithfulness.
Spiritual Principle: God is not a distant deity of the past but the ever-present “I AM” in your life today.

7. God’s Promised Deliverance Despite Opposition

God foresees Pharaoh’s resistance and the need for signs but assures Moses that Israel will leave Egypt with favor and blessings.
Application: God knows your journey and its obstacles—and promises you will not depart empty-handed.

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Summary

Exodus 3 is not just Moses’ call story—it serves as the model for every divine calling:

• God calls personally

• God reveals His character

• God entrusts a mission

• God answers our fears

• God promises His presence

Moses didn’t become a deliverer by his own strength but through the power of the One who sent him.

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Message for Us Today

This story speaks to you, too. Perhaps you find yourself in a “wilderness” season—times of retreat, uncertainty, or questioning your purpose. Then God’s voice comes to you as well:

• “I see your pain.”

• “I have a mission for you.”

• “I am with you.”

• “I AM WHO I AM—your God.”

The “burning bush” still appears today—in a sermon, a conversation, or a Bible verse that won’t let go of you. The question is: Will you draw near? Will you listen? Will you say, “Here I am”?

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Reflection Question

“God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called.”

~~~~~~~~~~

June 8 – 14, 2025

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING

Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 10

The Tower of Babel

Read online here

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Introduction

After the Flood, Noah’s family was to repopulate the cleansed earth. But soon Shem, Ham, and Japheth revealed distinct character traits that persisted in their descendants. At the center stands the sinful building project on the plain of Shinar: a city with a tower meant to reach the heavens. God’s intervention by confusing their language halted construction and simultaneously fulfilled His plan to scatter humanity across the earth.

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Commentary

1. Background and Noah’s Prophecy

1.1 The Three Sons and Their Lines

• • Noah’s blessing on Shem and Japheth versus his curse on Canaan.

  • Inherited traits: godliness in Shem’s descendants; corruption in Ham’s line.

1.2 Consequences for Their Descendants

• • Shem: God’s chosen people and heirs of the covenant.

  • Japheth: Participants in the blessings of the Gospel.

  • Canaan: Degeneration into pagan idol worship and eventual slavery.

2. Settlement in Shinar and the Tower Construction

2.1 Reasons for Unity and Building

• • Desire for security and unity after a shared history.

  • Fertile land and a false sense of independence from divine threat.

2.2 Architecture as a Symbol of Power and Religion

• • The city as the center of a future world empire.

  • The tower as a monument to human wisdom, security, and idol worship.

2.3 Motives and Misbelief

• • Doubt in God’s promise: “No further Flood will come.”

  • Quest for scientific “understanding” of the Flood’s causes.

3. God’s Intervention and Judgment

3.1 Confusion of Languages

• • The relay system of communication collapses.

  • Complete dispersion through incomprehensible speech.

3.2 Destruction of the Structure and Scattering

• • A lightning strike as a sign of divine displeasure.

  • Fulfillment of God’s original plan: distribution of nations and languages.

4. Theological Significance

• A warning against human arrogance and estrangement from God.

• Demonstration of God’s patience, mercy, and righteous judgment through history.

• A foreshadowing of later “Babel” phenomena: unity apart from God’s Word leads to chaos.

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Summary

The Tower of Babel illustrates how human pride and the attempt to unite independently of God lead to confusion, dispersion, and divine judgment. God’s intervention preserved His original design to fill the earth with diverse nations and languages.

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Message for Us Today

“Babel” projects still exist: ideologies that challenge God’s authority and promise unity apart from biblical truth. We are reminded to align our plans with God’s Word and to approach His sovereignty with humility.

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Reflection Question

What “towers” are we building today—in technology, culture, or religion—that draw us away from God? How can we foster genuine unity through obedience to truth?

~~~~~~~~~~

June 8 – 14, 2025

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING

Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 11

The Tower of Babel

Read online here

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Introduction

After the Babel dispersion and worldwide idolatry, God chose Abraham from Shem’s line to preserve His law and promises for future generations. Born into a family surrounded by pagan superstitions, Abraham faithfully responded to God’s call and thus became the father of the nation from which the Savior of the world would come.

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Commentary

1. Historical and Theological Background

1.1 The World after Babel

• • Idolatry spreads and people turn away from God.

  • God allows the unrepentant to follow their own paths.

1.2 Shem’s Line and the Preservation of Faith

• • A continuous transmission of divine revelations from Adam through Noah and Shem.

  • Abraham as heir of this sacred heritage.

2. God’s Promise to Abraham

2.1 Promises and Conditions

• • Many descendants and a great name.

  • Through him, all nations on earth will be blessed.

2.2 Testing through Obedience

• • The command to leave his homeland and relations.

  • Faith described as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

3. Abraham’s Responses and Experiences

3.1 Departure for Haran and Canaan

• • Obediently sets out into the unknown, accompanied by relatives and Lot.

  • Key stops: Haran as a temporary home, then Shechem and Bethel—each marked by an altar.

3.2 Life and Trials in Canaan

• • A fertile land occupied by pagans with their altars.

  • Abraham builds altars to signify God’s presence.

3.3 Famine and Flight to Egypt

• • A test of humility, patience, and faith.

  • Abraham’s lapse of faith: presenting Sarah as his sister.

3.4 God’s Protection and Lessons Learned

• • Pharaoh is afflicted by plagues, then honors Abraham.

  • Lessons about God’s safeguarding and the consequences of human distrust.

4. Theological Insights

• True faith requires leaving behind familiar securities.

• Trials serve to purify character and prepare for God’s work.

• God’s promises remain steadfast despite human shortcomings.

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Summary

God called Abraham to leave a pagan environment and follow Him in faith. Abraham obeyed, faced tests in Canaan and Egypt, yet remained faithful despite his mistakes. In doing so, he laid the foundation for the chosen people and revealed God’s protection and patience.

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Message for Us Today

We too are invited to trust God’s promises and may be called to leave our comfort zones. Trials expose our weaknesses, but they also shape our character and demonstrate God’s faithfulness even in our failures.

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Reflection Question

What “callings” from God in your life might require stepping into uncertainty and making sacrifices? How can you express your faith through obedience and trust in your daily life?