When Moses encountered God at the burning bush, he was given a divine commission to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. This momentous calling, however, was met with hesitation and a series of excuses from Moses. Understanding these excuses provides deep insights into Moses' character and the nature of God's call to service. Let's explore the excuses Moses gave and the responses he received from God, as recorded in the Book of Exodus.
"Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?" (Exodus 3:11)
The first excuse Moses offers is one of self-doubt. He questions his own worthiness and capability to undertake such a monumental task. Moses had been living as a shepherd in Midian for forty years, far removed from his previous life in Egypt. His initial reaction reflects a sense of inadequacy and perhaps a lingering guilt over his past actions, including the killing of an Egyptian (Exodus 2:12).
God's response to this excuse is reassuring: "I will be with you" (Exodus 3:12). This promise of divine presence is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing that God's call is not dependent on human ability but on divine empowerment. God's assurance that He would be with Moses serves to remind us that the success of any divine mission rests on God's presence and not on human strength alone.
"What if they do not believe me or listen to me?" (Exodus 4:1)
Moses' second excuse revolves around doubt concerning the receptiveness of the Israelites. He fears that they will not believe that God has appeared to him or that they will not heed his message. This concern is understandable, given that the Israelites had been in bondage for centuries and might be skeptical of any claim of divine intervention.
In response, God provides Moses with three miraculous signs to authenticate his divine commission: turning his staff into a serpent, making his hand leprous and then healing it, and turning water from the Nile into blood (Exodus 4:2-9). These signs are meant to demonstrate God's power and to validate Moses' prophetic authority. They also serve as a reminder that God equips those He calls with the necessary tools to fulfill their mission.
"I have never been eloquent... I am slow of speech and tongue" (Exodus 4:10)
Moses' third excuse is related to his perceived lack of eloquence. He expresses concern about his ability to communicate effectively, describing himself as "slow of speech and tongue." This could imply a speech impediment or simply a lack of confidence in his oratory skills.
God's response to this excuse is both profound and instructive: "Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say" (Exodus 4:11-12). Here, God reminds Moses that He is the Creator and Sustainer of all human abilities. The focus is shifted from Moses' limitations to God's omnipotence. This teaches us that God often calls individuals to tasks that seem beyond their natural abilities, precisely so that His power can be made manifest through their weaknesses.
"Please send someone else" (Exodus 4:13)
Despite God's reassurances and promises, Moses' final excuse reveals his deep reluctance: "Please send someone else." This plea underscores Moses' fear and unwillingness to accept the responsibility being thrust upon him. It is a moment of raw honesty, where Moses openly admits his desire to avoid the daunting task.
God's response to this final excuse is a mixture of anger and accommodation. The Scripture says, "Then the LORD's anger burned against Moses" (Exodus 4:14). However, God also provides a solution by appointing Aaron, Moses' brother, to be his spokesperson. "He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him" (Exodus 4:16). This arrangement underscores God's willingness to work with human frailty and to provide support systems for those He calls.
Reflections from Christian Literature
The excuses of Moses have been the subject of much reflection in Christian literature. In his book "The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life," Os Guinness discusses the nature of divine calling and the human responses to it. He notes that God's call often comes with a sense of inadequacy and fear, but it is precisely in these moments that God's power is most clearly demonstrated.
Similarly, A.W. Tozer, in "The Knowledge of the Holy," emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's omnipotence and sovereignty. He argues that our weaknesses and limitations are opportunities for God to display His strength and glory. Tozer's reflections align with the biblical narrative, where God's choice of Moses—a man with apparent weaknesses—serves to highlight God's ability to accomplish His purposes through imperfect vessels.
Conclusion
The excuses Moses gave to God when he was called reveal much about the human condition and the nature of divine calling. They reflect common fears and doubts that many of us experience when faced with daunting tasks. However, God's responses to Moses' excuses offer profound lessons about His character and His ways. God reassures, equips, and provides support, emphasizing that His presence and power are sufficient for any task He calls us to undertake.
Moses' journey from reluctance to leadership serves as a powerful reminder that God does not call the equipped; He equips the called. Through Moses' story, we learn that our inadequacies are not obstacles to God's purposes but opportunities for His grace and power to be revealed. As we reflect on Moses' excuses and God's responses, we are encouraged to trust in God's provision and to step out in faith, knowing that He who calls us is faithful and will accomplish His purposes through us.
In the end, Moses became one of the greatest leaders in biblical history, not because of his own abilities, but because of his obedience to God's call and his reliance on God's strength. His story is a testament to the transformative power of divine calling and the faithfulness of God to those who respond to His call, despite their fears and doubts.
