Burn like the bush

by Rapha Abreu·January 14, 2025·3 min read

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The World and the Kingdom Need More “Burning Bushes.”

Regardless of the area where your calling lies or the “title” you hold, it’s necessary to be more than just a leader in it; you need to be a burning bush!

Be Used

“‘What an amazing sight!’ he thought. ‘Why isn’t the bush burning up? I must go see it.’ When the Lord saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, ‘Moses! Moses!’ ‘Here I am,’ Moses replied.”

Exodus 3:3-4

The bush had only one function: to invite Moses into God’s presence and draw him closer to the Father’s voice. It did not become a sacred relic, nor was an altar of worship built for it. The bush burned, fulfilled its purpose by inviting Moses, and made way for glory to be given to God.

The problem is that, too often, we want to be the voice in the bush, not the bush itself—burned by God for a greater purpose that brings Him glory.

We need to be on fire but not consumed.

Attract Others to the Kingdom

“The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less. The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all.”
John 3:29-31

This is the first sign of someone doing God’s will: we don’t need to fear being replaced or seek human gratitude or recognition for what we do, how much we serve, or how we are used. After all, being used by God says more about Him than about us.

God doesn’t need us but chooses to use us. He had thousands of other ways to call Moses, yet He chose to use the bush. The Lord wants to use you to draw others to Him. He desires you to burn for Him and His purpose, without being consumed.

Identity in Christ

“No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:5-9

There’s nothing wrong with Joshua completing Moses’ mission. Having someone continue his work or being replaced is not an insult. Joshua bore fruit through what Moses had started. He was called to lead the people of Israel after Moses’ death. God encouraged Joshua to lead and ensure the people entered the Promised Land. Moses was a burning bush.

The various stories in the Bible show people who burned for God, dedicating their lives to serving Him and drawing others to hear His voice.

More than making Moses a great leader, God wanted to make him a burning bush, so that those who crossed Moses’ path wouldn’t just know him but have a real encounter with God, receiving revelation of His purposes and their identity in Christ.