There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. (Exodus 3:2)
I know and believe that the bush Moses “happened upon” in Exodus 3 was an actual bush engulfed in actual flames of fire. But all week I have found myself comparing the trees in Middle Tennessee to the burning plant Moses encountered.
The trees in late October are blazing with beauty. What were green leaves mere days ago are now a rich red, bright yellow, fiery orange, and a unique chestnut brown. And very few trees are the same color side by side. It’s as if the Father personally touched each one, giving them their own color - causing our eyes to be filled with wonder.
The leaves seem to compete with one another for our attention. Each one vying for our eyes to look and be struck at how magnificent they are. Yelling over one another, demanding that we see what’s going on: Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. (Psalm 19:2)
Yes. The Father is declaring His glory. Without using audible words, He is screaming at us to behold the work of His hands. Turning dark, green leaves into bright yellow and orange and red creation flames. Reminding us that summer is gone and winter is coming. Patiently allowing us to recall that life is filled with seasons. Good seasons. Bad seasons. Dry seasons. Rich seasons. Full seasons. Cold seasons. But seasons infused with the reality of God nonetheless.
Yes. I know and believe Moses encountered an actual bush with actual flames of fire. God was there, speaking. And I can’t help but think God is in the trees here too. Not calling us to confront Pharaoh, perhaps. But calling us to pause. Breathe. Behold. Consider. Worship. Wonder. Remember. And allow our hearts to do what the leaves are doing: blaze with beauty at the present presence of God.
Seasons are a gift