Kingdom Encounter Part 5: Action
In her powerful sermon, Pastor Zoe Hatcher calls us to examine how we respond when God calls us to a task greater than ourselves. Through the story of Moses and the burning bush, she explores the tension between human insecurity and God’s unwavering call. Pastor Zoe encourages us to stop making excuses and start stepping into God’s mission, trusting that He will equip us with everything we need.
God Calls Moses: Leaving Comfort Zones and Recognizing the Call
Pastor Zoe begins her message by drawing us into the familiar story of Moses at the burning bush, as recorded in Exodus 3:1-10:
“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. 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. So Moses thought, ‘I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.’ 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.’”
Moses, living a comfortable life as a shepherd, had no idea that this moment would change the course of history. When God called Moses from the bush, Moses was filled with doubt and insecurity. He questioned why God would choose him to deliver the Israelites from Egypt. Pastor Zoe reminds us that Moses’ reaction mirrors our own hesitation when God calls us to something beyond our comfort zones. She asks, “What type of burning bush is God drawing your attention to right now?”
She challenges us to reflect on those moments when God stirs something deep within us—perhaps through a passion for a cause or a burden for a specific group of people. Often, these “burning bush” moments ignite a sense of urgency or passion that points to God’s calling. Pastor Zoe urges us to pay attention to where God might be drawing our attention, even in the midst of our insecurities.
Confronting Excuses and Remembering Our Creator
Moses’ response to God’s call was filled with excuses. In Exodus 4:1-14, he continues to resist, saying:
“Moses said to the Lord, ‘Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.’ The Lord said to him, ‘Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.'” (Exodus 4:10-12, NIV)
Pastor Zoe draws a direct parallel between Moses’ reluctance and our own tendency to focus on our weaknesses. Moses didn’t believe he was equipped to speak on behalf of God, but God reminded him that He is the Creator of all things—even his speech. Pastor Zoe emphasizes that God does not call the equipped; He equips the called.
She urges us to stop focusing on our limitations and to trust in the One who created us. When we acknowledge our dependence on God, we open ourselves to His power working through us, despite our flaws and perceived shortcomings.
Finding Confidence in God, Not Ourselves
Pastor Zoe then moves to the New Testament, referencing 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, where the apostle Paul writes:
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:7-9, NIV)
In this passage, Paul compares our fragile human bodies to “jars of clay,” emphasizing how our weaknesses are part of God’s design to showcase His power. Pastor Zoe points out that, even though we experience hardship and difficulty, God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. She encourages us to lean into God’s strength, rather than relying on our own abilities. It is not about how capable we are, but about how capable God is to work through us.
When we embrace our vulnerability and trust in God’s strength, we become vessels that showcase His glory. Our insecurities and frailties do not disqualify us from the mission; they make space for God’s power to shine even brighter.
Living Out Our Faith: Moving from Consumerism to Action
As the sermon continues, Pastor Zoe shifts the focus to a critical issue in today’s culture: consumerism in the church. She urges the congregation to move beyond a faith that is centered around personal comfort and desire, pointing out that faith without action is dead. She quotes James 2:17, where James writes:
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:17, NIV)
Pastor Zoe reminds us that faith requires action. It is not enough to simply believe in God and attend church; we are called to live out our faith in tangible ways. She challenges us to move from a mindset of “what can I get from God?” to “what can I give to God and His kingdom?” She explains that the more we focus outward, the more we align with God’s mission in the world.
Embracing God’s Mission: Leaving Our Comfort Zones and Trusting God
In her closing remarks, Pastor Zoe challenges us to consider what our “burning bush” moments might be—those places where God is calling us to act. Whether it is stepping into a leadership role, serving in a ministry, or reaching out to a neighbor, God is inviting us to participate in His mission.
The key is trust—trusting that God will provide for us just as He did for Moses. Pastor Zoe encourages everyone to take the first step of faith, knowing that God will equip us as we go. When we step out in faith, we demonstrate that our confidence is not in ourselves, but in the One who calls and empowers us.
Conclusion
Pastor Zoe’s sermon reminds us that God’s call on our lives often comes when we least expect it, and it’s often accompanied by feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. But just as God empowered Moses and Paul to fulfill His mission, He will empower us as well. When we shift our focus from our own limitations to God’s limitless power, we can step boldly into the mission He has called us to.
As Pastor Zoe so eloquently puts it, we must “move from comfort to action” and trust that God will equip us for whatever He calls us to. It’s time to embrace our “burning bush” moment, step out in faith, and be part of God’s incredible mission in the world.
Key Scriptures Referenced:
- Exodus 3:1-10: Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush.
- Exodus 4:10-12: Moses’ excuses and God’s response.
- 2 Corinthians 4:7-9: Paul’s declaration about God’s strength in our weaknesses.
- James 2:17: Faith without works is dead.
