I don’t think there’s anyone I relate to in the Bible more than Moses.
In Exodus 3, God appears to Moses in a burning bush.
Moses sees this bush that doesn’t burn up, then hears God call his name.
Then God tells Moses, “Go, I’m sending you…”
But Moses questions God and says, “Who am I that I should go…?”
I would like to think if I had seen a bush that wouldn’t burn up and heard the voice of God, I would do as He asked me.
But I know better.
I believe we have this account of Moses because God wants us to see that even those He chooses aren’t perfect.
In fact, they’re far from it.
After Moses questioned God, God encouraged him saying, “I will be with you.” Exodus 3:12
But then, like us, Moses still questioned God.
“What if they don’t believe me or listen to me.” Exodus 4:1
So God gives him signs so the people will believe him.
Then Moses makes another excuse, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” Exodus 4:10
God answered Moses, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Exodus 4:11-12
God was speaking to Moses.
God gave him assurance that he would help him and teach him what to say.
Still, look at Moses’ response:
“Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” Exodus 4:13
Wow!
Can you imagine!?
God calling you to a specific work, picking you out, speaking to you, showing you signs, assuring you He would be with you, and you answer Him with, “Please send someone else.”
Exodus 4:14 says, “Then, the Lord’s anger burned against Moses.”
Despite Moses’ disobedience to God, God didn’t give up on him.
He sent Aaron to help Moses.
God was patient with Moses through all his doubts and questions.
It’s easy for me to think if I was in Moses’ place I would’ve done things differently.
But if we’re followers of Christ and believe His Word, we have all these accounts He’s given us to learn from.
Yet, here we are doing the same things Moses did.
Doubting God when He speaks.
Ignoring His signs.
Making excuses.
I wonder what would’ve been different if Moses would’ve trusted God to help Him speak?
Of course, God’s purpose and plan will prevail despite our disobedience, but I think sometimes we make it harder on ourselves than God wants it to be. Yet, He doesn’t force us to do His will, He gives us the choice.
Look at Exodus 13:17, “When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter.
For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”
Sometimes we have to go the long way around not because God is punishing us, but because God is saving us from ourselves.
What can we learn from Moses?
When God speaks to you in prayer, through His Word, or in some other way, listen.
Ask Him to help you.
Believe what He told Moses- that He will help you and teach you. He will prepare you for whatever He’s asking of you.
“Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” James 1:23-25
