Pastor’s Notes
O my Lord, please send someone else”
This is Moses’ plea to God in chapter 4 of Exodus. Moses is equipped for the mission and told by God what to do and still responds less than eager. Moses blames his abilities and reputation as his reasons for not wanting to go back to Egypt. God gives him a plan, direction, script and even gives Moses how the story will end. God even gives him a helper in Aaron. Still Moses just does not want to do what God has called him to do.
It’s safe to say that most of us have not had an encounter with God like Moses had here in chapter 4. I don’t personally know anyone who has seen the burning bush. However, I know many people (including myself) who have been called by God to do something and responded in an unwilling way. I hear so many people say that they desire to hear from God concerning a calling in their life, but not more than I hear from people who do see a calling and refuse it.
God’s calling in our life is rewarding and exciting, but can also be scarey and concerning. Just put yourself in Moses’s shoes. He is an older man with a family and a new life. He was in retirment, physically and mentally. God is calling him out of comfort and when you and I are called out of comfort, we often plea to stay where we are.
In light of God’s plan, it’s easy to argue that we are not the “right man” for the job. How could man even come close to being ready for what God has planned? God knows this and walks with Moses and you and I in our pleas to stay in our comfort. However, it’s Moses’ failure to see that God is with him and paved a way that is missed. We could probably all relate and understand Moses’ concern and fear. God understands and loves us in that space. It’s God’s presence that He is calling Moses and all of us to that should overcome all fear and worry. God is not encouraging Moses in his abilities to help increase his confidence; God is assuring him that the Almighty is with him!
God gives us everything we need to carry out the plans He has for us. We are called to be confident through His presence and the Spirit that lives within us. Stay faithful in that.
Scripture to go along with the message
Read Matthew 12:39-40 on the empty tomb as we will connect this scripture with Exodus 4 and the signs of God.
Highlight in your Bibles
Highlight verses 10-14 in Exodus 4
