March 5, 2009
by the Rev. Byron Wade

RALEIGH, NC – I remember very well the day of commencement from Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary. I was graduating with honors. I had a master's degree from Union Theological Seminary-Presbyterian School of Christian Education. I was definitely ready to serve a congregation and was energized to do ministry.

The commencement speaker that day was the Rev. Renita Weems, former professor of Old Testament at Vanderbilt Divinity School. Her message was entitled, "What Happens When the Bush Stops Burning?" from the call of Moses in Exodus 3. She asked us, "What will you do in-between the first time you heard from God and the next time you do?"

In her message, I was reminded of the "burning bush" moments when God is present in our lives – ordination and installation of pastors, marriages, births of children, formation of friendships or relationships, and so forth. Those are the times when God's presence burns brightly in our lives.

But as life goes along, things happen – church conflicts, broken relationships, loss of loved ones, periods of economic recession, loss of employment, and more. In those times, we cannot feel the presence of God, and we don't know when we will hear next from God.

Rev. Weems ended her message that day by telling the story of a time when she was invited to be a guest preacher. She recalled that she was going through some difficulties in her personal life that particular Sunday. As the choir sang, she heard the most beautiful voice. She wanted to see who was singing, so she turned around to look at the choir.

The voice was coming from a man whose face was totally disfigured. She knew then that God used that man to speak a word of comfort to her in a time of need.

What happens to you when the bush stops burning? What do you do in between the last time you heard from God and the next time?

For me, it is helpful to remember Rev. Weems' message, especially during this Lenten season. God speaks to us in unexpected ways to let us know the "bush is still burning."

Presbyterian News Service