A Spectacle Of Glory #277

Read: Exodus 3:3

In today’s Scripture, Moses catches sight of something totally unnatural—a desert bush in flames, which keeps on burning and burning—but never burns up! The text reads, “So Moses thought, ‘I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.’ ” Christians who suffer greatly and yet also graciously often cause the same curious response. They are a spectacle of grace to the church, like flaming bushes unconsumed, causing onlookers to ask, as Moses did, “Why is the bush not burned up?” Hymn writer John Newton has observed that the strength and stability of such believers—these fellow Christians who endure great pain yet keep their hearts bright and their smiles fresh—can only be explained by the miracle of God’s sustaining grace. Friend, if you are suffering today, you are a fiery bush. You are also on display, causing others to marvel at God’s grace in your life!

Father, part of me resists being a spectacle or drawing the attention of others. But if my life somehow draws attention to You, if the way I process suffering draws people to Your grace and strength, then I can accept—or even embrace—being on display. Thank You for sustaining me. Thank You that Your grace is enough for me.^a