EXCUSES TO LIFE’S VISION (1)

“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?” – Exodus 3:11

But for God’s Mercy, EXCUSES to LIFE’S VISION can delay destiny: “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 bush with the words “Here I am” (Exo.3:4). However, he quickly added five excuses for not immediately doing as God asked. These almost stifled the Light of Vision. Earlier, triggered by an inherent DNA of a Deliverer, Moses in a reactionary fit had killed an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew. Upon being discovered, he fled from Egypt to Midian (Exo.2:11-15). In essence, he attempted to become a judge over Israel ahead of divine timing, but failed woefully. Now, God had to preach a “lengthy sermon” before Moses would accept His Call!

Moses’ initial delay in responding to God’s Call and the Divine Vision could be explained as follows:

Moses delayed through despair, wondering “who am I?” (v.11)

Moses delayed through doubt, asking God “who are You?” (v.13)

Moses delayed through disbelief, arguing “But...they will not believe...” (Exo.4:1).

Moses delayed through debate, pleading “I am not eloquent” (Exo.4:10).

Let’s take a closer look at Moses’ five excuses – two today and the other three tomorrow.

Excuse 1: 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). Moses was content with his shepherd life in Midian. God’s call for him to go back to Egypt was a reminder of the sin that drove him out! God so often chooses the most unlikely candidates to fulfil His work. The God of Moses, Jonah, Gideon, and Peter sees past the person standing before Him and sees eternity. He sees our potential for good; how our broken vessels can fulfil His ultimate purpose for our and others’ lives.

Excuse 2: I don’t have all the answers – “Then Moses said to God, “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). Moses was raised in Pharaoh’s household. He must have been a well-read, well-educated man with a well-cultivated intellect. But in questioning his own abilities, he missed the point. Moses didn’t need to know it all because this wasn’t about him – it was about God! He was being asked to be God’s vessel – His voice to save the Israelites from the tyranny of Egyptian leadership to fulfill His promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

God works with each of us where we are and takes us to where He wants us to be. But we must be willing to leave behind the excuses!