Chapter Recap - Moses has gotten comfortable with his career-shift from first
family of Egypt to minding the family store. But just then, as Gunkel suggests, the sheep
become “divine guides” and move him toward the holy mountain. The angel of the
Lord = probably a theophany, that is, deity who temporarily embodies humanity (v. 4). The
flame = physical, material manifestation of God. In the story, the emphasis is on
God’s intrusion and initiative, not Moses’ seeker-sensitive quest. The temporal
scène is “the fullness of time;” God is revealed as the great destroyer and
deliverer and Moses is chosen to lead Israel out of Egypt.
Who Am I? - God chooses a missioner and then describes that mission. Notice the
question that emerges from this conversation between Moses and God: Who am I? he asks God.
Moses knew who he used to be back in old "Egyptland." And he knows who he is
presently-a sheepherder, an alien on the backside of the desert. But now Moses wonders who
he really is in the future vision of God. Any previous identity he may have clung to with
its resources and pedigree will flounder-he’s already tried that once. So he wonders
aloud about his identity.
The Mystery of God - Throughout scripture a name revealed something of the
character of its bearer be it humanity, angel, or deity. If Moses is to convince anyone
that he has been sent by God to deliver and liberate Israel, then he must be able to give
them the name of this liberating God, a new name that goes with this new revelation. [1]
A homily based on this passage,
entitled, “Answer the Door, Please,” is posted for this week on DPS.
On Monday mornings what is
“business as usual” for you? When you then see, hear or smell something strange
going on there, how do you normally react?