What can we learn from Moses' plea, "Please, Lord, send someone else"? Moses’ Honest Plea “Please, Lord, send someone else.” (Exodus 4:13) Standing barefoot before the burning bush, Moses voices his final objection after a series of excuses (Exodus 3–4). His words capture the raw tension between divine calling and human reluctance. Why Moses Held Back • Memories of failure — He had fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian (Exodus 2:11-15). • A forty-year gap — Decades of shepherding could have dulled any sense of national leadership. • Self-doubt about gifting — “I am slow of speech and tongue” (Exodus 4:10). • Fear of rejection — “Who am I?” (Exodus 3:11) and “What if they do not believe me?” (Exodus 4:1). • A preoccupation with personal limitation rather than divine sufficiency. God’s Patient but Firm Response • Assurance of His presence: “I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12). • Revelation of His name: “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). • Demonstration of power: staff-to-serpent, leprous hand, Nile water to blood (Exodus 4:2-9). • Provision of a partner: “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother?... I will help both of you speak” (Exodus 4:14-16). • Expectation of obedience: “Take this staff in your hand so you can perform the signs” (Exodus 4:17). Timeless Lessons for Us • A reluctant heart does not nullify a real call. • God’s call is rooted in His character, not our competence (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). • Excuses multiply when focus shifts from God’s ability to our inability. • Divine patience has a purpose; He equips while expecting surrender. • Obedience opens doors for others: Aaron, the elders of Israel, and an entire nation were waiting on Moses’ “yes.” • Refusal risks divine displeasure—“The anger of the LORD burned against Moses” (Exodus 4:14)—yet God still made a way forward. • Our weaknesses often become platforms for God’s strength (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Echoes Throughout Scripture • Isaiah responded, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8) after cleansing; willingness follows assurance of forgiveness. • Jeremiah protested, “I do not know how to speak” (Jeremiah 1:6), yet God touched his mouth. • Gideon confessed, “My clan is the weakest… I am the least” (Judges 6:15), and still led Israel to victory. • New-covenant promise: “He who calls you is faithful, and He will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24). Living It Out Today • Recall your calling’s source—The Great I AM, not “I can’t.” • Replace excuses with truth: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). • Embrace God-given partnerships; He often places an “Aaron” beside every hesitant servant. • Step forward with what you have—Moses’ simple staff became an instrument of miracles. • Trust that God’s mission is larger than individual comfort; liberation of others often hinges on personal obedience. |
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