The call of Moses, and his excuses

Exodus 3&4

Introduction

In Exodus 3 Moses receives a definite call from God. God has prepared him from his earliest days, and now his first reaction to the call is to try to get out of it. Note that he is middle-aged by this time. He was 40 when he left Egypt, and had been 40 years in Midian working for Jethro.

Moses was often in the wilderness, looking after Jethro’s flock. It was a good place to know God – away from the noise and distractions of Egypt. C.f. Paul’s conversion was followed by 3 years in the solitary wastes of Arabia; Jesus knew of His mission at 12, but He was 30 before it began, and was immediately preceded by 40 days in the wilderness.

The call of God came unannounced and unheralded. Yet it was a turning point in Moses’ life.

Moses’ vision of God

That morning began like any other day – the sun, in a dull haze, rose over the expanse of sand, and was soon shining in the cloudless sky. The sheep were behaving as usual, eating the scant grass or panting under great rocks for shelter. The mountains on the horizon were a familiar outline to Moses. Yet God was nearby in an unusual way, unknown to Moses. Suddenly a bush began to shine with the glory of God, and the voice of God called from the bush, “Moses! Moses!”.

From that moment, everything changed for Moses. It marked the end of his quiet pastoral life. God revealed to Moses the next stage in His plan, and how this involved him. The vision of God that Moses saw was of a bush blazing with fire, yet not being consumed.

Why is fire a suitable symbol of God? It is a picture often used in Scripture. A blazing torch was the symbol used when God made His covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15:17). A pillar of fire led the Israelites by night (Exodus 13:21). The Holy Spirit baptizes with fire (Matthew 3:11). Cloven tongues of fire were seen at Pentecost (Acts 2:3). Fire is not mainly destructive, but primarily it brings warmth, energy, light and life. It is cleansing, purifying, transforming and life giving. Only when it is rejected and ignored does it burn things up and destroy.

The undying flame that Moses witnessed was a fitting symbol for one who is inexhaustible and self-sufficient. He gives again and again, but is never poorer. He works constantly but is never weary. He loves with an everlasting love. He possesses life that will never end. The Lord is the everlasting God, He will not grow tired or weary… those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength (Isaiah 40:28-31). God lives forevermore. His resources are inexhaustible. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is the same God of David… Isaiah… Peter.. Paul… John… He is always the same in every generation. God never changes.

“But while mortals rise and perish

God endures unchanging on.”

When God is about to make demands on men, and give them a call that will change their lives, He begins by giving them a vision, displaying Himself, showing His character, reminding him of His authority and resources. He reminds them of who He is, humbles them, encourages them, and makes them obedient.

The call to service which Moses received

Moses went over to look closer at this unbelievable sight. He took off his sandals as a mark of reverence because he was in the presence of God. God knew about the suffering of the Israelites, and revealed to Moses that He was going to deliver them and take them to the Promised Land – a land flowing with milk and honey. And He planned to use Moses to achieve this deliverance and lead the people. The plan was Gods, and He worked out His plan through human instruments. All the years of preparation would now come to fruition, now that the call had come.

Throughout Scripture and down through church history, the pattern has been the same. God has a plan and purposes to work in the world. He works through human instruments. He prepares men in various ways, and then the call comes at the right moment. His voice is still heard, not just calling people to “full-time service”, but to all Christian service. You can serve God in your secular job as well as in church. Through inner pressure, the ordering of circumstances, the advice of Godly folk, the printed page, through a word in a sermon, a realization of a need, the closing of one door and the opening of another, the voice of God speaks to the open ear and willing heart.

Need to be aware that God has a plan for every life and is waiting to reveal it. Throughout a lifetime that plan is developed and unfolded. Remember He is a living God, ever present and ever active. He is looking for hearts that are obedient and open. Sadly it is the case that many Christians are running their own show, pursuing their own ambitions, and making their own plans. They never stay still enough before the Lord to take time to learn God’s will. They pray, “Lord, here am I, send my sister.”. The result is that it is years since they did anything significant for the Lord.

There is a lack of commitment within some churches, among some individuals, and it is shown in a variety of ways. Many are content to take a back seat, and let a few do all the work. They do not want to be involved. Are you available to God? Are your ears open? Is your will yielded? Have you earnestly asked Him what His plan is for your life? Are you ready to hear God’s call, “Come and I will send you.”?

Excuses which Moses made

Moses received a vision of God and a clear summons to service. It was the unmistakeable call of the Lord – but Moses’ breath was taken away. He was appalled at the enormity of the task. He was conscious of his own unworthiness and unfitness. At once the excuses began to pour out. He wasn’t the first to say, “Don’t send me.” C.f. Amos, “I am not a prophet”; Isaiah, “I am a man of unclean lips”; Jeremiah, “I am but a child”.

Moses raised five excuses, and God had answers for them all. He felt he was inadequate - Who am I? (Exodus 3:11); ignorant – What shall I tell them? (Exodus 3:13); ineffective – What if they do not believe me? (Exodus 4:1); incapacitated – I am slow of speech and tongue (Exodus 4:10); unready – Send someone else to do it (Exodus 4:13).

· Inadequate – Who am I? God’s reply to this was simply, “Moses, I never said you were anybody. The main thing is that I am myself. My power and presence will be with you.” God has a habit of turning nobodies into somebodies. He promises His continual companionship, His help in difficulties, His right arm to lean on. “One with God is a majority”. “Little is much if God is in it.”

· Ignorant – What shall I tell them? God tells him that all he has to say is that “I am” sent him – the one unchangeable, utterly sufficient God who never fails and who gives and gives again, has sent him. The God who is always at work and never weary sent him. The ever-living and ever-present God who is able to satisfy the heart needs of His people sent him. It is almost as though God put into the people’s hand a blank cheque, and left them to fill it in.

· Ineffective – What if they do not believe me? God gave Moses three signs (the rod that became a serpent, the leprous hand that was healed, the Nile water turning to blood). God’s answer to Moses’ ineffectiveness was His own transforming power. It wasn’t about what Moses was, but what God was. The power was in the hand, not in the tool.

· Incapacitated – I am slow of speech and tongue. God’s answer was, “Who made the mouth? I am the Creator, and I will be your mouth and teach you what you will say.” The story goes that Paganini was such a master at the violin that at one concert, having broken three strings, he continued playing on just one string, and still produced perfect music.

· Unsuitable and unready – Send someone else to do it. The anger of God was kindled. He hates unbelief. He had given Moses all this reassurance, and still Moses did not trust Him. God insists Moses must be the one to go, but He gives a gracious accommodation, and allows him to take Aaron with him to compensate for Moses’ weakness. With the friendship and support of others God gives us help.

God responded to Moses with unanswerable arguments. Often God puts His hand on us or asks for a sacrifice. We excuse ourselves with various arguments. If only we could see the final outcome – which for Moses was victory at the Red Sea, the shining face of glory – we would not hesitate for a minute.

Conclusion

God has a purpose and plan for each of us. As the years go by He develops and changes us. We must always be alert for the next stage. Where does God want me to be? Has He been speaking to you lately? Will you obey? Forget the excuses. If He has called you, will He let you down?

Are you out of God’s will? Or unsure because you do not consult with Him much? If you are out of God’s will, you are fleeing from your true destiny. You are missing the very reason why you were born. If you are in the wilderness, God can meet you again if you mean business. He is longing to reveal Himself to you if you will let Him. There is still time. Let Him cleanse you, equip you and lead you forth.