Moses

Moses is one of the greatest, most flawed men in Scripture – the perfect place to start in examining how to respond when God “friends” us. Called by the Almighty to lead the Israelites out of slavery and into the Promised Land, Moses’ initial response was not to “have the courage to take the first step.” It was to be scared and make excuses for why he 100% was NOT the man for the job. 

When God spoke to Moses at the burning bush, Moses offered no fewer than five excuses as to why he was the wrong pick:

I’m not good enough (Exodus 3:11),

I don’t have all the answers (Exodus 3:13),

People won’t believe me (Exodus 4:1),

I’m a terrible public speaker (Exodus 4:10) and I

’m just generally not qualified (Exodus 4:13).

God even offered two miracles to support Moses – turning his staff into a snake and turning the water of the Nile into blood. But Moses remained reticent. 

We’ve all felt like Moses. We all want God – but we want God on OUR terms!  Moses was overwhelmed by the enormity of the task God was calling him to. And so it is with us. God calls us to boldly dive into the swirling ocean of societal problems, other people’s messy lives, helping those who seem beyond help – but we want to stay in the safety of knee-deep water.

Our prayer becomes, “Don’t send me, Lord. But maybe I could write a check instead?”

But then something happens to Moses after God gives him Aaron as a partner and spokesman. The leadership qualities God always saw in Moses start to emerge – no more excuses, definitive action and competent governance of those for whom he has been made responsible. Somehow, Moses was able to respond to God, not recoil from Him. 

Ultimately, Moses realized that God calls those He equips, and equips those He calls. When He “friends” you, He enables you to “friend” him back. We don't need to feel or act inadequately because we have the Creator of the Universe as the source of our sufficiency. It was true for Moses, and it’s true for you too.

God, You are our strength, the source of our identity, and our hope for the future. Help us hold on to the truth about who we are, no matter what we may face or how we may feel. Amen.