ScriptureExodus 3:11But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”Observation - What does it say?Moses has spent decades in Midian tending sheep, and one day God appears to him in a burning bush and informs him about what his people are experiencing in Egypt, that God has come to deliver them, and that God has chosen him to be the one to go lead them out of Egypt to the Promised Land. But Moses considers the assignment and considers himself and responds in essence with, “Why me?”
Understanding - What does it mean?I hate taking out the trash. Ever since I was a kid and my dad used to make me do it, I’ve dreamed about having a son of my own some day so I can make him take out the trash. Finally I have one! Right now he is 5 years old and isn’t quite strong enough to handle the task yet. But oh baby, he’ll be there soon! And I know the day will come when he will ask me in a whiny voice, “But Daaad, why do I have to take out the trash?” In that moment, I will respond by asking him, “Why do you think your mother and I had you?”Now of course that’s not why we had him, although it is a great perk. But in Moses’ situation, this really is why he was created! Moses has no clue! “Who am I that I should go?” had to sound like the most ridiculous question to God because it’s what he had been prepared for his whole life! Consider:
- Since he is raised by his Hebrew mother, he hears the stories of his people and learns to love them and identify with their suffering.
- Since he becomes part of Pharaoh’s extended family, he knows how to gain access to power.
- Since he spends these years in the land of Midian taking care of Jethro’s flocks, he has an intimate connection with a land through which one day he will lead a vast number of people.
God’s creates each of his people with a great purpose in mind. And, even though he prepares and equips them to fulfill it, they often feel unqualified and incapable.God called me to be a pastor. I said no because I couldn’t speak in front of people. I failed speech in Bible College because I either was too afraid to show up on speech day or when I showed up I could hardly talk because of how nervous I was. I failed to see what God saw in me. But, I said yes anyway. And ever since, God has carried me through every situation and continues, by his great power, to turn my weaknesses into strengths!Life ApplicationChoose to obey God, even when it seems someone else would be a better candidate for the task God has given me.
God, thank you that you have created each of us on purpose and have prepared works in advance for us to do. Even when we feel unqualified and unequipped for the tasks you call us to, may we walk in obedience and trust that you will give us success. Silence our fears. Remove our doubts. And help each of us to walk in the fullness of what you intend for us. Amen.
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