While a shepherd watched over his flock in the lonely desert, he came upon a strange thing. He saw a bush burning with fire but not consumed, and he turned aside to see why. This shepherd, Moses, evidently had spiritual vision. He heard God speak to him from the burning bush, and he did not doubt that God was present.
But when God gave him the commission to lead His people out of their Egyptian slavery, Moses hesitated, questioned his fitness for the divine commission, or gave excuses for his reluctance to undertake it. He lacked confidence in his own ability to be a leader. After all, he was only a humble shepherd in exile, even though he had been raised by Pharaoh's daughter. He may well have been struggling to find himself and learn the meaning of life. He needed purpose and a mission.
Then God revealed Himself to Moses by the name "I AM THAT I AM,"
Ex. 3:14; and instructed him to tell the children of Israel that I AM had sent him. In this name, I AM, God was supplying the concept of true being Moses had lacked. And as Moses gained a clearer perception of God as I AM, he also found himself as God's messenger, his faith was strengthened, and he was enabled to fulfill his mission.
