BURNING BUSH

We know that some friends have been interested to hear that our congregation in Edinburgh was provided with a building which just suits our needs. The men, especially, have been working very hard - cleaning, painting and generally improving it and now it feels most comfortable.

Walking in to our Prayer meeting a week past Thursday, we couldn't but notice the latest acquisition - a picture of the burning bush, beautifully embroidered on a dark blue background.

The burning bush has been a symbol of the Presbyterian church in countries throughout the world since reformation times. Fire, in God's Word is a symbol of His holiness; that is why Moses was commanded to remove his shoes. But, here, there is something else; just as the bush was not consumed by the fire, God would keep His people in the fire of affliction. God spoke to Moses from the bush saying that He would deliver them from their suffering in Egypt.

God's Kingdom (His people) will never be destroyed. His Kingdom will last forever. The gates of Hell will not prevail against it. Down through the centuries, many of God's people have been persecuted, even unto death. Today, many suffer for love of Jesus Christ. One day they and their faith will be vindicated.

This is why the burning bush is such a suitable emblem to have: it does not just look back, but it looks forward.

God in the midst of her doth dwell
Nothing shall her remove
The Lord to her an helper will
And that right early, prove. Psalm 46:5

Read about the burning bush in the second book of the Bible - Exodus chapter 3