The Legend of the Thorny Bush

Shyju Mathew

"Experience the Word of God, in the power of the Spirit."

July 31, 2016

 [Translation: [French |Spanish]

This is a continuation of our post “When does a blessing become a bondage?” I enjoyed sharing this with our church in Montreal.

“Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.”

In the beautiful story of Moses encountering God, God used a burning bush to get Moses’ attention.

The Scripture says, “When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!””

Is it not interesting that it was only when he took further interest to see the bush closer that God called him out?

That also means that when we take a step closer to what God wants, that’s when He manifests Himself to us. Some of us have not had a deep encounter with Him because we are satisfied to worship God from a distance.

You may not understand what God has prepared for you, but have the humility to get closer to God, and to be hungry for His presence. Seek His face!

What you pursue in life manifests in what you linger on the most. [tweet this]

What do you like lingering on for long? What is it that you hold on to the most? That is your stronghold.

Pause. Check. Reposition. Proceed.

The Thorny Matter 

Here was God about to speak to Moses about the destiny of thousands of Israelites. And what does God use for it? A thorny bush!!

This reminds me a lot about some people around us. Positioned high on the mountain, yet small in their thinking and thorny in their interactions. I’m sure you have met some of those people yourself. It is difficult to forget them. However, God doesn’t throw them out as outcasts.

God is still in the business of qualifying the unqualified. [tweet this]

Why do some people turn out to be thorny and unbearable? Because of the harsh atmosphere they have grown in. Don’t run away from them. Love them. Love can conquer all!

God did not care that that bush had thorns as long as it was up on the mountain of God.. The same goes for you! God loves you no matter what. As long as you can climb His mountain, He will release His fire on you too.

Every single vessel at the feet of Jesus is turning water into wine. [tweet this]

Do you sometimes think you’re not qualified to be used by God? The Bible is for sinners and saints alike, so no matter how messed up you are – climb the mountain! The Lord is waiting for you.

God has a great destiny for you!  Daddy loves you so much that if you are willing to be on fire for Him, to lean upon God in everything, He will use you like you could never imagine. People will be surprised by the results of God’s hand in your life. You will be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit!

Speak life into your destiny! Proclaim the following: I am loved by God, He loves me so much that He chooses to pursue me – Jesus is head over heels in love with me! Say thank you Jesus!

The Blueprint – Process – Product 

If you feel like that thorny bush, you may be having some questions like “How long should I wait? When will my prophesies come to pass? Why doesn’t my destiny manifest? Why I am not used by God? Why? Why?”

Here’s something for us to understand. There is a blueprint, a plan for us from God. We are so excited about the plan! But between the blueprint and the process there is a prophet, a deliverer, someone God sends you to remind you of what the process is and what the end product will be. This could be your mentor or a Pastor. Prophets are not sent by God to tell you things you like. They are not motivational speakers! Their objective is to make you so uncomfortable that you want get out of your comfort zone.

Every plan has a process. The process is the place where the blueprint is made manifest so that the end product can be seen.  But beware! This is when offense can settle in – some people won’t like the process! But it’s the process that prepares you for your destiny.

Stick to your process to possess your destiny. [tweet this]

Every process has a product. Many people abort the end result because they do not like the process. People don’t like to wait. They want the end result – the blessings! But a product needs a process. Discipleship is a process.

We have to submit our personal agenda to a higher mission. [tweet this]

This is what prepares you for a destiny.

We are about to see what God has prepared for us. As it is written: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Let this be your prayer today:  Jesus give me the faith to rise up. Give me the humility to pursue you. I shall see what God has prepared for this generation!

I hope you were blessed! If you were, don’t forget to share this post with someone. Subscribe today to receive these posts in your inbox.