What do the search of Moses (as) for fire and the first revelation in the cave of Hira mean?

Both events show that God gives far more than a person seeks. They also show that prophets do not strive for their office, because both were taken completely by surprise.

Moses (as) was travelling with his family. In the distance he saw a fire and went towards it to bring back a burning brand or to find guidance for the way. He was looking for something quite ordinary. What he found was God Himself speaking to him. He looked for an earthly fire and received the light of God.

There is a beautiful lesson in this. God often gives far more than a person asks for. Whoever searches sincerely for something small may be given something great by God. A man goes to fetch warmth for one night and returns with a message for many generations.

It was similar with the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). He used to withdraw to the cave of Hira to pray in silence. He was not thinking of prophethood. When the angel came and told him to read, he was frightened. He returned home trembling and feared for himself until his wife Khadijah calmed him.

Both events have something in common. Both prophets were taken completely by surprise. This answers a charge often made against prophets, namely that they only wanted to make themselves great. Someone who plans and strives for an office is glad when it comes. The first reaction of Moses (as) and of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw), by contrast, was astonishment and fear. Prophethood is not a goal a person sets for himself. It is a gift that God gives to whom He chooses.