Preaching on Excuses: Moses and God's Sufficiency

From Excuses to Empowerment: Moses and God's Sufficiency

The heart of Exodus, examining the encounter between Moses and God, a story that resonates with our own human frailties and God’s unwavering sufficiency. We see Moses, burdened by fear and inadequacy, attempting to evade God’s call. Yet, through this encounter, we witness God’s patient provision and the transformative power of obedience.

1. The Divine Call and Human Fear: A Purpose Beyond Ourselves

Exodus 3:10 declares, “Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh, that you may bring my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.” God has a purpose for each of us, but fear can paralyze us. Moses’ initial response is not one of eager acceptance, but of trembling hesitation. He needed to understand that God’s calling transcends human ability.

2. “Who Am I?” – The Feeling of Inadequacy: God’s Ability, Not Ours

Exodus 3:11 records, “Then Moses said to God, ‘Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?’” Moses felt small in the face of the great challenge. He saw his limitations, not God's limitless power. But God does not call us because we are capable; He enables us.

3. God's Presence is the Answer to Fear: Assurance in the Divine

Exodus 3:12 assures, “And God said, Surely I will be with thee.” God’s calling comes with His presence and provision. We must not focus on our inadequacies, but trust in the unwavering presence of the Lord. His “I will be with you” is a promise that conquers fear.

4. “What If They Ask Who Sent Me?” – Doubt About Authority: The Sufficiency of “I AM”

Exodus 3:13 reveals, “And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say unto me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?” Moses feared he lacked the authority to speak for God. But God revealed His name: “I AM WHO I AM,” demonstrating His self-sufficiency and eternal authority.

5. “What If They Don’t Believe Me?” – The Fear of Rejection: God’s Confirming Signs

Exodus 4:1 records, “Behold, they will not believe me, nor listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you.’” Moses was afraid of rejection. God responded by providing signs to confirm His calling, demonstrating His control and power.

6. “I Cannot Speak” – The Fear of Ineptitude: Willing Hearts, Not Perfect Skills

Exodus 4:10 reveals, “Ah, Lord! I am not an eloquent man [...], for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” Moses tried to justify his refusal with his perceived lack of communication skills. But God is not looking for perfect speakers; He desires willing hearts.

7. God is the One Who Enables and Gives Gifts: Trusting the Creator

Exodus 4:11 clarifies, “Who made man's mouth? Or who made the mute, or the deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Is it not I, the Lord?” God is the Creator, and He gives abilities to whomever He calls. We must trust that He equips us for His work, providing the necessary gifts and talents.

8. “Send Another One!” – The Attempt to Escape the Call: Resisting Responsibility

Exodus 4:13 reveals, “Ah, Lord! Send by the hand of him whom you will send.” Moses, even with God's answers, still tried to run away from the mission. We often resist God’s call because we fear the weight of responsibility.

9. God Provided Help, But Did Not Change the Calling: Support, Not Substitution

Exodus 4:14 reveals, “Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and he said, 'Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he will speak well [...].” God allowed Aaron to help Moses, but He did not change His mission. When we fear, God provides support, but He still calls us to obedience.

10. Moses' Obedience Brings Deliverance: Transformation Through Submission

Exodus 4:20 recounts, “So Moses took his wife and his sons, and put them on a donkey, and returned to the land of Egypt. And Moses took the rod of God in his hand.” After so many excuses, Moses finally obeyed. Obedience to God’s call transforms lives and accomplishes His purposes.

Preaching on Excuses: Moses and God's Sufficiency

Conclusion

Moses’ journey from fear to obedience is a powerful reminder of God’s sufficiency. When we feel inadequate, we must remember that God’s presence and provision are greater than our limitations. May we learn to surrender our fears and embrace His call, trusting that He will equip us for every task. Amen.