Burning Yet Not Consuming

The story of Exodus 3 is remarkable for the way it brings together things human and divine, ordinary and extraordinary, immanent and transcendent. As we read this narrative theologically, we find that the revelation of God’s very name indicates a compatibility between such dualities, as he is known as the one who transcends human speech yet is identified with the lives of his people. His name thus stands to represent the very relationship he has to the world, a positive relationship which is also indicated in the bush that was blazing yet not consumed. The Creator draws near and the creature is not undone; fire descends on the bush and it remains whole. The implications of this are sacred and inexhaustible. God’s appearance in the world is one which does not threaten that which he has created. Rather, he maintains the very goodness he creates as he draws near to make himself known. His appearance at the fiery bush suggests his presence everywhere. His is a flame always burning—blazing and not consuming, blazing and making us whole. 

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From a paper presented at Wycliffe College, University of Toronto.