It was the most feared weapon on the battlefield. Some called it “Greek fire” and others called it “liquid” or “manufactured” fire. Regardless of its name, there was no doubting its power. The Greeks discovered that if you ignite a mixture of inflammable pine resin and sulphur, even water wouldn’t extinguish its flames.*
While the Greeks had their fire, the Hebrews had theirs too. Just ask Moses. He had never seen fire where the leaves glowed hot with flames but weren’t burned (see Exodus 3). Then he heard the voice-“I AM WHO I AM!” As he removed his sandals, Moses got a small foretaste of Israel’s secret weapon-this red-hot Yahweh who said, “I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians” (Exodus 3:8).
And God would live up to His promise. He would send plagues for them, split seas for them, and feed them with manna and quail. He would go before them to protect them, behind them to defend them, and beside them as He tabernacled in their camp. Other nations would discover that messing with this dangerous divinity was a bad idea. If you stole their ark or got in their way, this Israel-loving God would take you out.
Being a God-follower is not about God getting on board with your agenda; instead, it’s about getting on board with God’s. Any bush can be a burning bush, so long as God shows up.
*Josh Klein, “Greek Fire,” [online], [cited 28 December 2012]. Available from the Internet: www.channel.nationalgeographic.com.