Excuse Slayer

Exodus 4:1-17

After all that anticipating of obstacles and how the Lord will overcome them, Moses goes right back to the start and asks, “What if they don’t believe me?” After some demonstration of the power that will be with him (verses 2-9), and even help to speak (verses 11-12), this after God’s demonstration of intervening power in the burning bush and commitment to be with him, Moses asks God to get someone else. The seriousness of this (even though we can relate to it) is that he is not just saying he (Moses) isn’t up to it; he is effectively saying that God isn’t up to it. So the divine exasperation that comes isn’t really all that surprising. And the Lord says, look, you don’t even have to talk. Take Aaron to talk for you.

Moses has run out of excuses. It’s time for action.

Prayer:
God, forgive us for wavering when your will is clear. We worry over what will happen about this and how so-and-so will react to that; when we can’t see the future anyway. But your purpose is clear. Your direction is unavoidable. Your church’s mandate is unequivocal. In following this is real love. Moses’ life was not his, his voice was not his, his power was not his; and none of those things in us are ours either. Let us be directed by your Word and Spirit, let our conversation centre around and be fuelled by them; let us leave all personal and power games behind which impede us; that your power and purpose may flow freely through your willing and humble servants. Through Christ. Amen.