EXCUSES TO LIFE’S VISION (2)

“…But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you’” – Exodus 4:1b

The Story of Moses illustrates God’s disapproving disposition towards EXCUSES to LIFE’S VISION: “Then Moses answered and said, “But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you’” (Exo.4:1). Moses’ first two excuses related to: wondering who he was – whether he was good enough to be called, and doubting how he would introduce the Lord to the people of Israel. Today, we examine the remaining three excuses that Moses put forward in the attempt to evade God’s Call and Vision:

Excuse 3: People won’t believe me (v.1b). This excuse is a natural instinct, but God didn’t let Moses hide behind this natural fear. He gave him two miraculous tools to supply the confidence he needed: A rod that could turn into a serpent, and the ability to turn his hand leprous, and then make it whole again, by simply placing it inside his cloak. Rather than dismiss this excuse, God equipped Moses to overcome it.

Excuse 4: I’m a terrible public speaker – “Then Moses said to the LORD, “O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue” (v.10). Perhaps Moses was being very humble, or perhaps God truly used a flawed vessel. God doesn’t call the flawless to do His work. He works His flawless plan through cracked, broken vessels. God replied: “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord? Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say” (v.11b-12). Even so, there’s plenty of Biblical evidence of Moses’ great orations!

Excuse 5: I’m not qualified – “But he said, “O my Lord, please send by the hand of whomever else You may send” (v.13). Moses’ final excuse was desperate. “Please, anyone but me!” God responded to this excuse in righteous anger. The excuses ceased and God called Aaron – a man with the abilities Moses felt he lacked – to serve alongside his brother (vv.14-16). Final excuse abated!

Moses’ excuses were mere attempts to avoid responsibility and remain in mediocrity. Undue delay is a dream-destroyer; procrastination is a silent waster of visions that must be avoided like the plague. God gave Moses the vision of leading Israel out of bondage into the Promised Land. After the aged shepherd finished rehearsing his excuses, he began to show amazing single-mindedness. Slow to embrace the divine vision and accept the call and the appointed work, once he did, Moses held fast to these faithfully until the end! Driven by the Light of Vision, he showed remarkable courage, obedience, and strength of character, and remained a faithful servant of God until the threshold of Canaan.