Exiting Egypt Chapter 3B P2

Exiting Egypt Chapter 3B P2

“Moses: A Reluctant Prophet”

Exodus 3:11-4:17

By Dennis Lee

Let’s take a look at this first Excuse

Read Ex. 3:11-12

Excuse #1 – Moses felt Inadequate and Unqualified

Moses was most probably expressing both humility and a healthy fear of God, something that we see throughout his leadership of the children of Israel in leading them out of Egypt and to the brink of entering into the Promised Land.

Now remember, at this time of his life, he no longer was a Prince of Egypt, but rather a lowly shepherd of Midian. So, in his mind, who was he, a simple shepherd, to go before Pharaoh, the most powerful man on the planet.

Further, who was he, now that he was no longer a part of the Jewish nation there in Egypt, and in his last attempt to free them, he failed and had to escape for his life. So, who was he? Moses was feeling incapable, unqualified and totally inadequate.

But God’s reply to Moses reveals two great and precious promises if Moses would move forward in the call God had for his life.

a. The Promise of His Presence

I will certainly be with you (Ex. 3:12a NKJV)

God’s very own presence would be with Moses, meaning that He would give Moses everything that he needed to succeed. He would give Moses the inner strength, the ability needed, the confidence, assurance, and faith; things Moses lacked. Further it also indicates that He would lead, guide, and work things out for Moses.

It is no different for all of us. God has promised all of us His presence to see us through this life of service God has called for all of us to take. Several times God tells us, both in the Old and New Testament, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” This is not only what God tells to Moses, but then to his predecessor, Joshua.

No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you (Josh. 1:5 NIV cf. Deut. 31:6)

And it is this same promise that Jesus gives to all of us in His Great Commission.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Mt. 28:19-20 NIV)

b. The Promise of Success

When you have brought the people out of Egypt (Ex. 3:12b NKJV)

God told Moses “You will succeed.” No one is qualified to serve God. No one is capable, adequate, or sufficient enough. So, when God does come calling, we sense our inadequacy because in ourselves we don’t have what it takes.

But God is faithful and makes to us the same promises He made to Moses. That when He is with us, then He will lead and guide us and make our journey successful. I love what the Lord told to the prophet Isaiah. We referenced it last week.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze (Isa. 43:2 NIV)

And so, the excuse of our being inadequate or unqualified is met with God’s sufficiently in all things, because we can do all things through Christ that strengthens us.