While looking for words to pass on to you this month, I came across Exodus 4. To paraphrase, this chapter is mainly instructions from God to Moses on what his role would be as a leader to the Israelites.

In verse 10 Moses speaks words we have all been guilty of. Moses pleads with God to let him out of the mission in which he has been placed. Moses begins with the excuse of how God’s people would not respond to him because of his weakness as an eloquent speaker. Moses did not want to be an embarrassment to himself or to God.

In verse 11 God says to Moses, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes man deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or blindness?” He asks Moses, “Is it not I, the Lord?”

However, verse 12 are words of encouragement, “Now go,” the Lord says. “I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

Verse 13 shows how Moses is still unsure and asks God to please pick someone else to do the job.

Even with God’s displeasure of Moses’ reply, He again comforts Moses by saying, OK, let’s have Aaron your brother come along and be your spokesman. God says, “I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do.”

These words of God dealing with the conversation with Moses are equally helpful for us when we feel inadequate in fulfilling our role and mission for God’s Kingdom.

Matthew Henry makes a good point in his classic Bible Commentary:

“But while we blame Moses for shrinking from this dangerous service, let us ask our own hearts if we are not neglecting duties more easy, and less perilous. The tongue of Aaron, with the head and heart of Moses, would make one completely fit for this errand. God promises, I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth. Even Aaron, who could speak well, yet could not speak to purpose, unless God gave constant teaching and help; for without the constant aid of Divine grace, the best gifts will fail.”

Enjoy the journey!
Wayne Chamberlain, Elder