What can we learn from God's response to Moses' speech concerns in Exodus 4? Moses’ Honest Confession (Exodus 4:10) “But Moses pleaded with the LORD, ‘O Lord, I am not eloquent—neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant. For I am slow of speech and tongue.’” • Moses voices a real, personal limitation. • He assumes the limitation disqualifies him from God’s call. • His words reveal fear, inadequacy, and self-focus—emotions many servants still face today. God’s Sovereign Reply (Exodus 4:11-12) “And the LORD said to him, ‘Who gave man his mouth? Or who makes the mute or the deaf, the sighted or the blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go! I will help you speak and I will teach you what to say.’” What God immediately establishes: • He is the Creator and owner of every human ability. (Psalm 139:13-16) • No weakness is random or outside His purpose. • The command “Now go!” shows that divine commission outweighs personal hesitations. • Provision accompanies calling: “I will help you speak … teach you what to say.” Compare Matthew 10:19-20. Transparent but Trusting • Scripture never condemns honest confession of weakness; it condemns distrust. • Jeremiah voiced nearly the same concern (Jeremiah 1:6-7), and God responded almost identically. • We are invited to lay fears before the Lord, yet we must receive His assurance as final. Weakness as the Stage for Power • God delights to work through apparent insufficiency (1 Corinthians 1:27). • “‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.’” (2 Corinthians 12:9) • When success cannot be credited to human skill, glory goes unmistakably to God. Obedience Over Eloquence • Delivering God’s message matters more than polished delivery. • Peter and John, “unschooled, ordinary men,” astonished leaders because they had “been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13) • God promises to supply words; our role is to step forward in faith. A Brother Beside You (Exodus 4:14-16) “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well… I will help both of you speak and teach you what to do.” Lessons from God’s provision of Aaron: • The Lord often answers our fears by sending co-laborers. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10; Mark 6:7) • Partnership never negates personal responsibility—Moses still must lead. • God’s anger at Moses’ continued resistance (v. 14) warns against habitual delay. Divine Patience, Real Expectations • God listens patiently, yet there is a point where delay turns to disobedience. • Hebrews 3:15 cautions, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” • The narrative urges immediate, trusting action when God speaks. Practical Takeaways • Your limitations are known, measured, and purposeful in God’s plan. • Be honest with the Lord, but let His promises silence lingering doubt. • Expect God to equip you as you move, not before you move. (Hebrews 13:21; 1 Thessalonians 5:24) • Value the partners God provides; they are part of His answer to your concerns. • Shift focus from self-evaluation to God-confidence; His glory shines brightest through surrendered weakness. |
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