Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law. He led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. This is what he encounter, “…the LORD said, “Moses, Moses!” “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” (Exodus 3:4-5)
Moses was not quite 80 years old when this encounter took place. God first makes contact with Moses through a burning bush. God then starts to speak directly to Moses.
“Come now, therefore, and I WILL SEND YOU to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “WHO AM I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:10-11) Moses did not know much about the God of Israel, he was raised learning about the Egyptian gods.
Moses answered, “But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘The LORD has not appeared to you.’ ” So the LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A rod…” (Exodus 4:1-4) God showed Moses more miraculous things he could do but remember Moses did not REALLY KNOW who God was…Moses again pleaded, “Lord, please! Send anyone else.” Then the LORD became angry with Moses. “All right,” He said. “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? (Exodus 4:13-14) So God sent Arron to go with Moses, now remember Aaron built the golden calf while God was meeting with Moses in the mountain.
God delivered Israel out of Egyptian bondage, God parted the Red Sea Israel crossed on dry ground and when Egypt came after them they all drowned in the sea. Sometime later Moses wanted to know who God was so he said, “I pray You, SHOW ME YOUR GLORY! Then the LORD said, “Behold, there is a place by Me, and you shall stand there while My glory is passing by, Then I will take My hand away and you shall see My back.” (Exodus 33:18, 21-23)
Now it was finally going to happen, “…the LORD passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; Moses made haste to BOW LOW TOWARD THE EARTH AND WORSHIP.” (Exodus 34:6-8)
THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME MOSES WORSHIPED GOD BECAUSE HE NOW KNEW WHO HE WAS…
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham