Yahweh and Moses and a Burning Bush
This is a 3 part piece to be presented as a theatre piece. The Bold both tell about and speak the words of Yahweh. Note that Yahweh is always referred to in non gender-specific terms and is generally considered plural. Mose’s story is in standard type and , again both tells the story and gives him voice. The red lines are similar to a Greek chorus and is meant to be spoken by a third individual. It may also be possible to have the congregation repeat these lines.
And Yahweh was moving among the heavens. The cries of the people had been heard and Yahweh wanted to respond but there had been no way to do it. Yahweh ached at the thought of the people of God suffering but how to deliver them? Who would be the one to lead them out of their captivity? Yahweh was determined to answer the prayers of the people.
The God of all that is and was
and ever shall be
was in a spot
they needed to find
the person; an individual
to lead the people of God
to freedom.
And Moses was out watching the sheep trying to be a good shepherd; doing his job by protecting the sheep and taking care of them. It was hot and dry, very hot. It was so hot and dry that even some bushes would spontaneously burst into flames.
Whoa! Wait a minute, that bush…. there is a lot of fire but that bush is not being burned up! That’s not right; maybe I’m confused? Not enough to drink? Maybe too much to drink…what is going on?
Yahweh called to Moses and Moses was surprised; actually pretty shocked. it was a confusing vision and now it even included voices. Hey Mose, Yahweh called. Moses was taken aback. Yahweh called again, Moses, the son of Amram, stop!
Ok, I am….here.
A declarative statement
not a question but
A clear point that he is present
and listening
a way of saying that he will
hear and respond
I am here.
I am hearing.
I am present.
Now Yahweh can speak.
The voice in the bush warned Moses to come no closer and to remove his sandals. Yahweh warned him that he had been summoned to holy ground; not an everyday occurrence, even for Moses. So Moses removed his sandals and stopped to wait and hear what would come next. He was a little worried; shaking with fear. More than confused.
I hope I’m imagining this. Maybe I’m dreaming. If this is Yahweh, what do they want? This is new to me and I don’t know how to respond and, anyway, I have a lot of work to do today. I’m scared mostly and I don’t want to look stupid.
Yahweh had a plan and it included Moses going to the people of Israel and bringing them out of bondage. It was a big plan and one that would affect the people’s conditions greatly. Moses, listen up. You are going to be part of bringing the people of God. You will lead them and they will follow you.
No, are you kidding?! This is not for me. Surely you know what I did to the Egyptian! Well, there is even more. I don’t understand you and I have loads of doubts about you. I’m not sure I should be called a person of God any more. There are things, Yahweh, that I have done and not even talked about. Besides, Pharoah wants to kill me! I need to stay here. I don’t think I’m the one. I can’t be. I can’t do it.
Stay safe. Do not take the step out
of what you know
have an excuse ready
for why you cannot respond
Moses does not want
to be what he can be.
Moses, Moses do you see that burning bush? Well do you?
Yes.
Well, it is not being consumed. I, the Lord God, Creator and Sustainer of all there is have the power to cleanse a living thing without destroying it. I will bring the power. You will carry it.
The burning bush was
like a ceramic kiln
hotter than any material
can sustain
and yet
it does not consume the
hot object
but changes it to a new
form; harder
more useful
and far more
beautiful.
Then I will go with you by my side
I will be what you need me to be
Doubting and fearful
Failed but foregiven
Weak but sustained
Imperfect but cleansed.
Yahweh rejoiced for the people of God would be made free.
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