Draw Near II

Watercolor on stretched paper
36” x 22”

sold

Exodus 3:4
When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.”

There are many Biblical references to fire and most of them represent God’s presence. Among them are the burning bush, sacrifices, ceremonial purification, the pillar of fire that led the Israelites in the wilderness, Mt. Sinai and Pentecost. Theologically, the presence of fire is called a Theophany: God’s revelation of Himself.* There is both a sense of awe and fear in these appearances.

Imagine Moses taking the initiative to investigate the burning bush. He stood near enough to experience an intimate appearance of God and heard God speak to him mouth to mouth. Though Moses was unsure, meek, disobedient and cowardly, God saw who Moses could be despite himself.

For me, this represents an invitation to keep drawing near to God with the hope of His transforming power in my life. Could He kindle a blazing bonfire of intimacy within my heart that would send sparks of His love falling on those around me?

* Dictionary of Biblical Images, p. 130
Other references, Exodus 3:14; Exodus 19-20; Exodus 12:21; Numbers. 13:13; Numbers 9:15-16; Deuteronomy 33:16; Mark 12:26; Luke 20:37; Acts 7:30-34

©copyright, phyllis thomas, 2008

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