A Consuming Fire: Moses and the Burning Bush with R.C. Sproul

Summary

In this script, the speaker delves into the theological significance of the burning bush, an event pivotal in both Moses' life and human history. They explore the concept of 'theophany,' where God's presence is made visible through supernatural phenomena, such as the fire within the bush that did not consume it. The discussion extends to other instances of the Shekinah Glory in the Bible, including the covenant with Abraham and the conversion of Saul, highlighting the transformative power of divine encounters.

Takeaways

• 🔥 The story of Moses and the burning bush is a significant event in redemptive history, marking a turning point for Moses and humanity.
• 🌳 The bush in the story was a common, ordinary bramble bush, not something supernatural in itself.
• 👀 Moses saw a fire inside the bush that did not consume it, suggesting a supernatural phenomenon rather than a natural one.
• 🔥 The fire was independent of the bush, indicating a theophany, a visible manifestation of God's presence.
• 🌟 The term 'theophany' comes from 'theos' (God) and 'phaneo' (to make manifest), referring to God making himself visible.
• 🌌 The Shekinah Glory, or the visible manifestation of God's glory, is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with fire.
• 📜 In Genesis 15, God's promise to Abraham is accompanied by a vision of a smoking oven and a burning torch, symbolizing the Shekinah Glory.
• 💡 The Shekinah Glory is also present in the conversion of Saul (Paul) on the road to Damascus, where he encounters a blinding light from heaven.
• 🐑 The birth of Jesus is announced to shepherds by an angel accompanied by the Shekinah Glory, demonstrating God's presence and power.
• 🌟 The Shekinah Glory is not just associated with God the Father but is also linked to the Second Person of the Trinity, reflecting the deity of Jesus Christ.

Q & A

What is the significance of the burning bush in the encounter with Moses?

The burning bush is significant as it represents a theophany, a visible manifestation of God's presence. The bush was on fire but not consumed, indicating the fire was independent and supernatural, symbolizing God's power and majesty.

Why was the bush not consumed by the fire?

The bush was not consumed because the fire was not of the bush itself but was a divine presence within it. This supernatural fire was a manifestation of God's glory, independent of the natural properties of the bush.

What is the term 'theophany' and how does it relate to the burning bush?

The term 'theophany' comes from 'theos' meaning God and 'phaneo' meaning to make manifest. It refers to a visible appearance of a deity, in this case, God's presence within the burning bush, which was a supernatural and not a natural phenomenon.

How does the speaker describe the nature of the fire in the bush from Moses' perspective?

The speaker suggests that from Moses' viewpoint, the fire appeared to be coming from inside the bush, indicating a supernatural presence rather than a natural fire that would consume the bush.

What is the 'Shekinah Glory' and how is it connected to the burning bush?

The 'Shekinah Glory' is the visible radiance or manifestation of God's presence and power. It is connected to the burning bush as the fire within the bush is considered a form of this divine radiance, revealing God's glory to Moses.

Can you explain the significance of the 'Shekinah Glory' in redemptive history?

The 'Shekinah Glory' is significant in redemptive history as it represents key moments when God reveals Himself in a tangible way, such as to Moses at the burning bush, to Abraham in his covenant promise, and to Paul on the road to Damascus, impacting their lives and the course of history.

What is the biblical reference to God's promise to Abraham and how does it relate to the 'Shekinah Glory'?

The biblical reference is Genesis 15:17, where God makes a covenant with Abraham, demonstrated by a vision of a smoking oven and a burning torch passing between the pieces of animals. This vision represents the 'Shekinah Glory', symbolizing God's commitment and promise to Abraham.

How does the speaker describe the Apostle Paul's encounter with the 'Shekinah Glory'?

The speaker describes Paul's encounter as a transformative moment when he was struck by a blinding light from heaven, fell to the ground, and heard the voice of Jesus asking why he was persecuting Him. This encounter with the 'Shekinah Glory' turned Paul's life around, making him a devoted apostle.

What is the connection between the 'Shekinah Glory' and the birth of Jesus?

The connection is that an angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds with the 'Shekinah Glory' shining around them, announcing the birth of Jesus as the Savior. This display of divine glory accompanied the momentous event, signifying its importance.

How does the speaker link the 'Shekinah Glory' to God the Son in the context of theophany?

The speaker suggests that the 'Shekinah Glory' is not only linked to God the Father but is also inseparably related to the Second Person of the Trinity, God the Son. This implies that the glory displayed in theophany is the inherent glory of God the Son from all eternity.

What is the significance of the Mount of Transfiguration in relation to the 'Shekinah Glory'?

The Mount of Transfiguration is significant as it was the site of a magnificent display of the 'Shekinah Glory' in the New Testament. The glory displayed there was not a reflection but an inherent divine radiance bursting through from Jesus' concealed deity, highlighting the divine nature of Jesus.