Sermon Notes

I. Introduction

• Joseph Campbell (not a Christian, but a student of mythology/religion) observed:

  “What we are looking for is a way of experiencing the world that will open to us the transcendent...”

• Human beings are incurably spiritual—we seek transcendence.

  • Some through traditional religions (Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam).

  • Others through mindfulness, energy work, nature, etc.

• Two key points:

  1. Affirm the desire for transcendence—it is real and God-given.

  2. Learn to discern authentic transcendence from false or self-referential spirituality.

II. The Text: Exodus 2:23 –3:12

• Context: Moses in Midian, tending sheep near Horeb.

• Not seeking a spiritual encounter; God initiates it.

• Key Question: What can we learn about genuine transcendent encounters?

• Two themes: Person and Paradox.

III. The PERSON Moses Encountered

1. The Angel of the LORD (v. 2)

   • More than just an angel → identified with God Himself.

   • Possibly the pre-incarnate Christ (Word/Logos).

2. Authentic Transcendence

   • Encounter with someone other than himself.

   • Not self-discovery or inner potential—real personhood beyond Moses.

   • God is personal, not impersonal force/energy.

3. The Burning Bush Symbolism

   • Fire = light, warmth, purification, judgment.

   • Bush not consumed → God is self-sustaining, absolute reality, source of all existence.

   • Childlike question: “Who created God?” → answer: no one. He is the source.

   • Authentic transcendence = encountering the self-existent God who draws near.

IV. The PARADOX of God’s Presence

1. God Knows Moses by Name (v. 4)

   • God is relational, loving, intimately aware of Moses’ story.

   • God’s nature = love and relationship.

2. But… God’s Holiness Creates Distance (v. 5)

   • “Do not come near; take off your sandals, for this is holy ground.”

   • Holiness = God’s otherness + moral purity.

   • Human corruption (sin) incompatible with holiness.

   • Illustration: fresh snow → pure → later becomes dirty slush.

   • Result: God is both near and distant → paradox.

3. Resolution of the Paradox

   • God Himself provides the way for humans to approach.

   • In Moses’ case: humility (remove sandals).

   • Later: OT sacrificial system.

   • Ultimately: Jesus Christ.

     • His cross removes sin barrier.

     • Makes access to God’s holy presence possible.

   • Application: Spirit is HOLY; without Christ we would be consumed, with Christ we receive Him with joy.

V. Conclusion

• We are spiritual beings with souls that crave transcendence.

• Not every spirituality satisfies—self-focused versions fall short.

• At the burning bush, Moses encountered:

  • Absolute reality.

  • A personal God.

  • Holy presence made accessible by God’s provision.

• Our souls find satisfaction only in the Triune God—Father, Son, Spirit.

• Call: Don’t settle for less than the real.

Discussion Questions:

1. How would you define transcendence? Have you had any experiences in your life that you would describe as transcendent?
2. If, as the sermon suggests, genuine spirituality is not self-referential (simply connecting with more of yourself), is deeper self-knowledge still important? If so, where is it found? Is there a connection between encountering the real God and discovering the real self? How so?
3. Read Exodus 3:3-4. Do you believe it is significant that God did not call to Moses until he turned aside to see the strange sight? Do you think God would have still spoken to Moses if he had not turned aside? How might this speak to the lack of encounters with God that many experience today? As you reflect on that, consider Elizabeth Barrett Browning's poem:
   • Earth’s crammed with heaven,And every common bush afire with God,But only he who sees, takes off his shoes,The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries,And daub their natural faces unaware.
4. Read Exodus 3:7-12.  What was the ultimate purpose of Moses' encounter with God at the Burning Bush? What was God's purpose for revealing himself to Moses? Is there a link today between our personal encounters with God and a greater purpose like mission?

Questions?

Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester (

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