Moses and I Meet at the Burning Bush

I’m musing on a phrase from Pastor Dave’s message on Moses and the burning bush:

Moses knew where he was; but he didn’t know who he was.

Moses’ uncertainty regarding his identity makes sense. He was born to Israeli parents. Raised in the Egyptian courts, and married to the daughter of a Midianite priest (who did serve the true God.)

I know where I am. I know my geographical location. My age category. (Middle-aged, THANKS for asking!!!) I know where I fit on the family tree. (And no, I am not the nut!) I know where I fit into friendships: close, causal and “barely” (JUST KIDDING!!!) I know where I am materially. (Blest to have more than I need.)

I know where I am in relation to God: saved through faith in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the cross for my sins.

But the question remains, “Who am I really?” Am I merely a compilation of everything that describes where I am in life? Do you wonder that about yourself?

Pondering Moses, and myself, I wonder if this identity challenge comes from the tension of living as a child vs. living as a son? (Or as your case may be, as a daughter.)

Let me explain. I am the child of my dad, sharing his DNA. However, the limited authority and privilege I experienced as his son came more by default than through healthy relationship. (But that’s another story.)

I am a child of God; forever joined with Him by the blood of Jesus. But living as a true son, and enjoying the corresponding authority, privileges and responsibilities, requires more than a blood relationship. It requires living life in close proximity to the Father.

Those three letters, s-o-n, constitute one of the most significant words that can describe me.

I may never be a husband, father, or grandfather. At times, I will fail as a brother and friend. I may never be a man who wields great influence. In fact, many might consider me to be a failure. But here is what will not change or be taken away: The Creator God of the Universe gazes upon me, and calls me “son”.

That’s who I am. And that understanding gives purpose to where I am.

Spend a single day holding on to, “I am a son of the living God. I am chosen. I am deeply loved.” You will feel things shifting deep inside. – John Eldredge in Killing Lions: A Guide Through the Trials Young Men Face

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