The Burning Bush
Ilumi Kids · Stories
Moses was a shepherd. Every day, he led his father-in-law Jethro's flock to find fresh green grass and cool water in the desert. He cared for each little lamb with great tenderness.
One day, he led his sheep far away, until he came near a great mountain called Horeb, the mountain of God. The sun was hot, and everything seemed peaceful as usual. Moses had no idea what surprise was waiting for him.
Moses was tending sheep in the desert when he saw a bush on fire that did not burn up. From the middle of the fire, God called him by name and said he had seen his people suffering in Egypt. God sent Moses to Pharaoh to set Israel free. Moses was afraid, but God promised: "I will be with you".
Where it is in the Bible: Exodus 3—4
God calls ordinary people to big missions and promises to be with them.
After reading, use these questions to help your child remember and apply the story.
Moses was a shepherd. Every day, he led his father-in-law Jethro's flock to find fresh green grass and cool water in the desert. He cared for each little lamb with great tenderness.
One day, he led his sheep far away, until he came near a great mountain called Horeb, the mountain of God. The sun was hot, and everything seemed peaceful as usual. Moses had no idea what surprise was waiting for him.
Suddenly, Moses saw something very strange! A bush was on fire, with very bright flames. But the most amazing thing was that the fire was not burning up the leaves or branches of the bush.
"What a wonderful sight!" Moses thought. "I must go closer to see why this bush isn't being burned up by the fire." He left the sheep and walked curiously toward the light.
There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire coming out of a bush. — Exodus 3:2
When God saw that Moses was coming closer to look, a powerful voice called to him from the middle of the fire. The voice was God's, and He knew Moses' name.
Then God told him to take off his sandals, because the place where he was standing was holy ground. With great fear, Moses covered his face, because he was afraid to look at God.
God: Moses! Moses!
God told Moses that He had seen the suffering of His people, the Israelites, who were slaves in Egypt. God heard their cries and decided to rescue them. He promised to lead them to a good land, full of good things.
And then, God gave Moses a very important mission. He said, "Now go! I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people out of Egypt." Moses would be the leader God would use to save the Israelites.
Moses felt small and afraid. "Who am I to go to Pharaoh and bring the people of Israel out of Egypt?" he asked. It seemed like too big a task for a simple shepherd.
But God gave him the most important promise of all. He would not be alone in this adventure, because God would be by his side the whole time.
God: I will be with you.
