Still He Obeyed, the Call of a Reluctant Leader

God was calling. The journey was starting. Unfortunately, the leader was unqualified...or so he claimed. Have you ever noticed the shortcomings Moses referenced concerning his inability to speak were self-described, Exodus 4:10-12? Despite what many of us grew up hearing, no Bible passage confirms the prophet's self-evaluation. No one in scripture, including the LORD, was critical of Moses’s actual abilities. No one was critical of the prophet's abilities except Moses, himself. The LORD did not simply accept or yield to the shepherd’s self-doubts. Challenging Moses with a question, the LORD asked the shepherd, "Who made you?" Reminding the reluctant leader that everyone, including Moses is made as they are for a reason, the LORD declared the superiority of His own intentions and abilities. Whether mute or deaf, seeing or blind, race, gender, it is all part of His plan, and it is for His glory. What could any of us tell God about ourselves that our creator does not already know? Moses was reminded that not only would God go with him, but that the Creator could be counted on to fill his mouth. That promise endures, Mark 13:11.

"I'm not good at this," filled Moses's heart, but obedience operates outside our emotions. Ancients, like Moses, understood if someone was lord, he had absolute right to place boundaries, make demands, utilize the strengths and even the weaknesses of those in his charge. Their desire to serve did not even factor into the equation. Despite this understanding Moses resisted his Lord. Moses not only refused to simply submit to the will of his redeemer; he offered a series of arguments as to why he should not obey.

In essence, a fugitive shepherd argued he was right, and the God who created everything was wrong. His first argument feigned humility implying both that God made him defective in his speech and unworthy to stand and lead. Ironically, Moses’s defense is a criticism of his creator not himself. Without missing a beat, the LORD responded to the shepherd’s objection that Pharaoh would not listen to him by acknowledging, “Yes, you are right. He will not listen to you, Pharaoh will experience me, and my plans will prevail.” Afterall, the Lord not Moses, would deliver His people.

Another argument Moses offered was more deeply rooted in theology and truth than human insecurities. Only one could bring ultimate deliverance to Israel. More literally translated, Exodus 4:13, could read “Send the one you will send.” With this, Moses was doing more than begging the Lord to find another recruit. He was acknowledging ultimate deliverance of Israel must come from the Messiah. Since Moses was certain he was not that Savior, he reasoned if he delivered Israel, more bondage and suffering were certain to come to Israel. Just under the surface, of Moses’s pleading, was a demand for the Lord to change His plans and a question, “What’s the point of doing it your way?”

In spite of his questions, the exile moved forward. Yes, Moses famously doubted his ability to speak and lead. It is true, only the Messiah could bring ultimate freedom. Perhaps because Moses understood the LORD alone offers liberty, eventually, reluctantly, the prophet submitted himself to the will of his Lord. No clarification was offered. No self esteem building exercise ensued. The LORD did not defend the point off His plan. Moses's heart continued to declare, "I'm not good at this." Still, he obeyed. As Moses obeyed, in spite of his fear, a nation was freed. That's Worth Remembering.