DECISIONS FOR IMPACT (5)

“...Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” – Exodus 3:11b

In His Mercy, God overcomes human excuses and empowers individuals to make DECISIONS for IMPACT in life: “But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exo.3:11). Moses answered God’s call from the burning, saying “Here I am” (Exo.3:4). But he almost stifled the vision from inception through flimsy excuses. He tried to avoid leading the Israelites, citing different excuses, but God reassured him and provided the necessary support. Moses’ initial hesitation in responding to God’s Call could be explained as follows:

Moses delayed through despair, essentially saying, I’m not good enough” – “WHO AM I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (v.11). Broken and humbled, he was now content with simple shepherd life. God often chooses the most unlikely candidates for His tasks: the likes of Moses, Jonah, Gideon, and Peter. He sees our potential for good; how our broken vessels can fulfil His ultimate purpose for our and the lives of others.

Moses delayed through doubt, asking God “who are You?” (v.13). That is, “I don’t have all the answers” – “Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?” (v.13). Having been raised in Pharaoh’s household, Moses must have been well-educated. Yet, he questioned his own abilities. Moses didn’t need to know it all because this wasn’t about him – it was about God! He was to be God’s Vessel and Voice to save the Israelites from Egypt’s tyranny and fulfill His promise to the patriarchs.

Moses delayed through disbelief, arguing “But...they will not believe...” (Exo.4:1). Rather than dismiss this excuse, God equipped Moses to overcome it. He gave him two miraculous tools to rouse his confidence: A rod that could turn into a serpent, and the ability to turn his hand leprous, and then make it whole again, by simply placing it inside his cloak.

Moses delayed through debate, pleading “...O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant, but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” So the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord?” (Exo.4:10-11).

Moses’ fifth and final excuse was: I’m not qualified – “O my Lord, please send by the hand of whomever else You may send” (v.13). This was born out of desperation: “Please, anyone but me!” God responded to this excuse in righteous anger. Excuses ceased and God called Aaron – one with the abilities Moses felt he lacked – to serve alongside his brother Exo.4:14-16).