What can we learn from God's patience with Moses in Exodus 4:1? Setting the Scene Moses has just heard God’s call from the burning bush. Rather than leaping forward, he hesitates. The Tension of Exodus 4:1 “Then Moses answered, ‘What if they do not believe me or listen to my voice?’” “For they may say, ‘The LORD has not appeared to you.’” Moses is: • Aware of his past failure in Egypt • Unsure Israel will trust him • Focused on potential rejection rather than God’s promise God’s Patience on Display Instead of rebuking Moses, the LORD calmly supplies help. • Sign 1 – Staff to serpent (Exodus 4:2-4) • Sign 2 – Hand turns leprous and clean (Exodus 4:6-7) • Sign 3 – Water to blood (Exodus 4:9) • Provision of Aaron as spokesman when Moses still pleads (Exodus 4:14-16) Each response shows God’s character: • “The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger” (Psalm 103:8) • Patient perseverance echoes through Scripture (2 Peter 3:9) Lessons We Can Embrace • God meets doubt with evidence, not scorn. • He equips the hesitant; our excuses do not nullify His call. • Patience is an expression of covenant love—what He began, He finishes (Philippians 1:6). • God’s methods may adapt (signs, a spokesman), but His purpose stands (Hebrews 13:8). Practical Takeaways • Bring fears honestly to the Lord—He can handle them. • Look for the “signs” He places in your hand (abilities, opportunities). • Depend on the Body of Christ as Moses leaned on Aaron; mission is rarely solo. • Remember:“Everything … was written for our instruction” (Romans 15:4)—let His past patience fuel present trust. |
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