You would think that Moses’ powerful encounter with God at the burning bush would get him on board with God’s plan. Unfortunately, that was not the case.
Moses continued to object to following God’s guidance.
But Moses said to the Lord, “O my Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor even now that you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue” (Exodus 4.10).
The Vulgate translates Moses’ appeal: “I am not quick-witted and I am slow of speech.”
What do you think the many objections posed by Moses reveal about his character and his faith in God’s abilities?
Let’s take a look at the obstacles faced by Moses before we answer the question.
How would you evacuate the entire metropolitan area of Kansas City, which is similar in size to the enslaved Hebrew people in Egypt?
How would you get the people motivated and organized to leave the city in a brief period of time?
How would you get them out, knowing that they were unarmed and facing a superpower’s army?
The good news about the Bible is that it is honest about its heroes. In every instance, the hero is not the human servant, but a gracious God who acts in history.
God’s answer for God-sized tasks is “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).
Moses is one of the great heroes of the faith, but it was God’s Spirit – the same Spirit that is available to us – that made him effective in God’s service.
God’s Ability
We may not be up to the task of a God-sized vision, but God is. He is able to meet any emergency.
Moses may be slow of speech, but God had an answer.
Then the Lord said to him, “Who gives speech to mortals? Who makes them mute or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?
“Now go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you are to speak” (Exodus 4.11-12).
I assume that most readers of my blog are familiar with Moses’ story. Let’s apply his story to ourselves.
In what way does God’s response to Moses challenge traditional notions of human capabilities and limitations?
Have you ever been given a task that is only possible to achieve with God’s help?
What about sharing your faith with co-workers or family members?
What about making amends when it entails revealing a wrong you have committed?
What about giving financially when you are afraid of not having enough?
The only way we will know the answer is to step out in faith and do what we believe God is calling us to do.
Moses’ Final Response
Moses can think of no more good objections. He reveals the true nature of his heart.
But he said, “O my Lord, please send someone else.”
Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and he said, “What of your brother Aaron, the Levite? I know that he can speak well; even now he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you his heart will be glad.
You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth, and I will be with your mouth and with his mouth and will teach you what you shall do.
He indeed shall speak for you to the people; he shall serve as a mouth for you, and you shall serve as God for him.
Take in your hand this staff, with which you shall perform the signs” (Exodus 4.13-17).
Moses’ arguments designed to avoid obedience are finally overcome with the addition of Aaron to the work.
Let’s ask ourselves about our own responses to God’s plans for our service.
What can we learn about the nature of obedience and trust in God’s plan, when faced with personal doubts and insecurities?
Think of a time when God called for obedience on your part, but you were afraid to respond. Did you trust and obey? If so, how did it work out?
When we acknowledge God as the source of all skills, talents, and abilities, we can rely on His strength rather than their own.
We learn from Moses and our own experience that we can be obedient to God’s calling, even when faced with uncertainty or personal reservations, trusting that God will equip and guide us along the way.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross and I discuss this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 