"And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain."
This verse is part of the encounter between Moses and God at the burning bush. Let’s break down the verse and explore its meaning in context:
"And he said, Certainly I will be with thee": In response to Moses’ hesitations and concerns, God assures him of His presence. God promises to be with Moses throughout his mission to deliver the Israelites from bondage in Egypt. This reassurance emphasizes the importance of God’s companionship and support in fulfilling His purposes.
"and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee": God provides Moses with a sign or token to confirm His sending of Moses. This signifies the authenticity of Moses’ mission and assures him that he is not acting alone but as a chosen instrument of God’s divine plan.
"When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain": God reveals the ultimate purpose of Moses’ assignment. Once the Israelites are liberated from Egypt, they will worship and serve God on Mount Horeb (also known as Mount Sinai). This mountain becomes significant throughout the Exodus narrative as the place where Moses receives the Ten Commandments and encounters God’s presence.
Key lessons from Exodus 3:12:
- God’s presence:Just as God promised to be with Moses, He assures His faithful followers today that He is with them always (Matthew 28:20). In our own lives, we can find comfort and confidence knowing that God never leaves us and that He is actively involved in our journeys.
- God’s confirmation:God often provides signs or confirmations to strengthen our faith and affirm His calling on our lives. While these signs may vary for each person, God’s faithfulness remains constant. We should seek discernment and pay attention to the ways God affirms His plans and purposes for us.
- God’s purpose:Moses’ mission was not only about delivering the Israelites from physical slavery but also about leading them to worship and serve God. Similarly, God’s plans for our lives extend beyond personal benefits. He desires that we serve Him and contribute to His kingdom work, impacting the lives of others and bringing glory to His name.
Overall, Exodus 3:12 reminds us of God’s presence, confirmation, and purpose in our lives. It encourages us to trust in His guidance and promises as we embark on our own journeys of faith.
