The Bush on Fire

Moses was an old man now—eighty years old! He was a shepherd, taking care of sheep in the desert.

One day, Moses saw something strange. A bush was on fire, but it wasn't burning up! The flames kept going and going, but the bush stayed the same.

'That's weird!' Moses thought. 'I have to look closer!'

When Moses got close, a voice came from the bush. 'Moses! Moses!'

Moses was surprised. 'Here I am!'

'Don't come any closer!' God said. 'Take off your sandals. You're standing on holy ground! I am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.'

Moses covered his face. He was scared to look at God!

God said, 'I see how badly My people are treated in Egypt. I hear them crying. I'm going to rescue them! And Moses—I'm sending YOU to do it. Go tell Pharaoh to let My people go!'

Moses was scared. 'Me? Who am I to talk to Pharaoh?'

'I will be with you,' God promised.

'But what if they ask who sent me?'

God said, 'Tell them I AM sent you. That is My name.'

'But what if they don't believe me?'

God gave Moses special signs. His walking stick turned into a snake! His hand turned white, then back to normal!

'But I can't talk very well!' Moses said.

God said, 'Your brother Aaron will help you speak. Now GO!'

Moses had lots of excuses, but God had an answer for each one. When God calls us to do something, He always helps us do it!