Tonight I watched the Prince of Egypt with John. This was the nth time for me, the first time for John. One part of this movie has always been very special to me, as the title of this post suggests, it’s the burning bush scene. However, watching it was a little bit different from before. The scene goes:

God: [whispering] Moses…
Moses: Here I am.
God: Take the sandals from your feet, Moses, for the place on which you stand is holy ground.
Moses: Who are you?
God: I am that I am.
Moses: I don’t understand.
God: I am the God of your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Miriam: [disembodied] You are born of my mother Yocheved! You are our brother!
[Moses quickly removes his sandals and throws them behind him]
Moses: What do you want with me?
Moses: I have seen the oppression of my people in Egypt, and have heard their cry.
[sound of screams and cracking whips]
God: So I shall stretch forth my hand, and lead them out of Egypt, into a good land. A land flowing with milk and honey. And so, unto Pharaoh, I shall send… you.
Moses: Me? W-who am I to lead these people? They won’t follow me, they won’t even listen!
God: I shall be with you, and teach you what to say.
Moses: [disembodied] Let my people go!
Moses: But I was their enemy. I was the prince of Egypt, the son of the man who slaughtered… their *children*! You’ve chosen the wrong messenger! H-how can I even speak to these people?
God: WHO MADE MAN’S MOUTH? WHO MADE THE DEAF, THE MUTE, THE SEEING OR THE BLIND? DID NOT I? NOW GO!
[Moses falls to the ground, cowering]
God: [soothing, lifting Moses up] Oh, Moses, I shall be with you when you go to the king of Egypt. But Pharaoh will not listen. So I will stretch forth my hand and smite Egypt with all my wonders! Take the staff in your hand, Moses. With it, *you* shall do *my* wonders.
[whispers]
God: I will be with you.

In the bible, it goes slightly differently, if you want to read the original look to Exodus chapters 3 & 4.

In the movie, when it hits “WHO MADE MAN’S MOUTH…” Both musically, visually, and content(ly?), it’s always been my favorite part. However, this time while watching it, I was brought to the same thing that Moses in the movie is brought to…tears.

I’ve shared about how I struggle with experiencing God’s presence. Moses was blessed as one of few men who have ever had direct experience with God. The burning bush is his first of these experiences. And watching it play out on the screen today just reminded me of God’s presence in my life. The rebuke God gives Moses reminds of that which He gives to Job. Who are we? We did not form the heavens. We did not form the earth. We do not know when the eggs will hatch. But God does. And in His infinite wisdom, knowledge, and love, He is watching over me. He is paving a path for me. He is preparing me.

It’s both terrifying and comforting. Interesting combination, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. All I can do is fall on my knees and worship.