A Divine Commission
Exodus 3:11
And Moses said to God, Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?…


I. GOOD MEN OFTEN WANT GREATER CONFIDENCE IN THE SERVICE OF GOD.

1. Distrust may arise from an honest conviction of personal unfitness. The most suitable workers are often the most diffident. Great talkers are little workers.

2. Distrust may arise from a false impression of opposing difficulties. Our estimate of what we can accomplish should be measured by our determination and love.

3. Distrust may arise from a positive relapse of religious fervour. Love inspires zeal.

II. GOOD MEN OFTEN WANT SPECIAL ENCOURAGEMENT IN THE SERVICE OF GOD.

1. God encourages His servants by the assurance of His presence. He will give —

(1)  Strength for every conflict;

(2)  Wisdom for every emergency;

(3)  Protection from every danger.

2. God encourages His servants by the assurance of ultimate success.

III. GOOD MEN OFTEN REQUIRE MINUTE INSTRUCTION IN THE SERVICE OF GOD. When Moses determined to go to the Israelites, he anticipated the difficulties that would arise. They would want proof of his Divine commission, and he asks, "What shall I say unto them?"

1. We should inquire of God respecting our secular engagements. Why am I engaged in this work, and not in some other? What is the object for which I work? What is the influence of my work upon my life? What is the spirit in which I work?

2. We should inquire of God respecting our intellectual tendencies. This is an age of intellectual unrest. Old theories are discarded, and old doctrines thrown aside. Am I wandering from the old paths? Am I resting on the true foundation?

3. We should inquire of God respecting our religious progress. Spiritual life necessitates spiritual growth. Our progress may be slow and imperceptible, but it must advance or perish. Are we going forward in the Divine life? Is faith stronger? is love deeper? is zeal more intense?

IV. GOOD MEN OFTEN RECEIVED DIVINE AUTHORITY FOR THE SERVICE OF GOD.

1. What evidence had Moses of his Divine commission? It was attested by a miraculous call.

2. What evidence had the Israelites of his Divine commission? It was attested by a miraculous power.

(J. T. Woodhouse.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?

WEB: Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?"




The Typical Character of Moses Considered
Top of Page
Top of Page