1. In 3:5-6, as Moses approaches God, he does several things: stops approaching the burning bush, removes his sandals (see Josh. 5:15), hides his face (see 1 Kings 19:13). What is it about God that made Him so unapproachable? Is it His holiness? His goodness? Is it this feeling of the some unknown that is beyond our realm (what Rudolph Otto called the mysterium tremendum)? Explain your answer. How does such an encounter adjust, call into question, explain, etcwhat it means for us to be in the presence of God?
2. Donald Gowan writes, Gods appearance on the mountain is thus described as both frightening and attractive, daunting and fascinating. We shall see that these apparent opposites seem to appear whenever a person senses the immediate presence of God, and we may find it convincing to conclude that they represent more than human psychology- that they reveal something about the very nature of God. Does this describe anything that you have felt when in prayer, facing a dilemma, just being still? If yes, how so?
3. Moses reacts strongly to Gods commission to go to Pharaoh and bring the people out of slavery pleading to get out of this responsibility (3:7-4:13 Who am I? Who are You? What if no one listens? I am inadequate for the task.) Who are the powers-that-be in your life? A boss? Oil companies? Politicians? Your spouse? (sorry, dearjust kidding). What makes them so intimidating that we choose to avoid confrontation? What assurances does God give Moses (think under the surface) when standing for what is right, knowing that Pharaoh will resist? Does this meditation help you? How so?
4. Moses asks for Gods name in 3:13. Actually, there is an interesting nuance in the Hebrew. To ask for someones name (because you dont know what to call them) in Hebrew is actually- Who is your name? (mi shmo). But, to ask someone about who they are as a person in Hebrew is to ask, What is your name? (mah shmo). That is the term that Moses uses here (see also Gen. 32:27 What is your name? To which Jacob replies Jacob, meaning grasper, grabber which is what he was). God replies, I will be that which I will be. Three times in this section (3:12; 4:12, 15), God uses those initial words, I will be combined with the word with- I will be with you. How does that help the Israelites plight? Does the knowledge of Gods presence really help you through tough times or do you tend to take it for granted?