Compare Moses' response in Exodus 3:11 to other biblical figures' reactions to God's call. Moses’ humble hesitation “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11) • Moses focuses on his own insufficiency rather than God’s sufficiency. • His question springs from forty years in Midian’s obscurity and the memory of earlier failure (Exodus 2:11-15). • The Lord answers with His presence, not a résumé boost: “I will surely be with you” (Exodus 3:12). Kindred voices of inadequacy • Gideon – “Please, my Lord, how can I save Israel?… I am the least in my father’s house” (Judges 6:15). • Jeremiah – “Ah, Lord GOD!… I do not know how to speak, for I am but a boy” (Jeremiah 1:6). • Isaiah – “Woe to me, for I am ruined!… my eyes have seen the King” (Isaiah 6:5). • Peter – “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man” (Luke 5:8). Common thread: acute awareness of personal limitation meets God’s assurance and cleansing. Reluctance that borders on refusal • Jonah – “Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD” (Jonah 1:3). • Moses (later) – “Please, Lord, send someone else” (Exodus 4:13). Both try to exit the assignment. God’s persistence overrides their flight. Immediate, trusting acceptance • Samuel – “Speak, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10). • Mary – “Behold, the bondservant of the Lord; may it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). • Isaiah (after cleansing) – “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8). These responses show readiness grounded in relationship and submission. Divine answers to human hesitation • Presence – “I will surely be with you” (Exodus 3:12); “Surely I will be with you” (Judges 6:16). • Empowerment – “I have put My words in your mouth” (Jeremiah 1:9). • Provision – “The LORD appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah” (Jonah 1:17); even discipline is provision. • Cleansing – “Your iniquity is removed” (Isaiah 6:7); “Do not be afraid; from now on you will catch men” (Luke 5:10). Takeaways • God often calls those keenly aware of weakness, then supplies what they lack. • Honest hesitation is met with patient reassurance; outright refusal invites corrective mercy. • The surest preparation for divine assignment is a heart ready to say, “Speak, Lord,” trusting His presence over our qualifications. |
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