READ: Ex. 4:1–17: … But suppose they will not believe me … O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant … O my Lord, please send by the hand of whomever else You may send …
God calls Moses to deliver Israel as His servant. He receives very clear instructions and the assurance that God, the faithful God of the Covenant, will bring it all to pass.
But Moses responds five times with some version of: “not me.”
First in 3:11, he says, “Who am I?” — in other words, “I can’t do it.”
The LORD reassures him: “I will be with you.” Then in 3:13, Moses says, “I don’t know who You are,” and God answers extensively.
Now, in 4:1, Moses says, “I don’t believe” — that the Israelites will believe him, even though God already said in 3:18 that they will.
The LORD responds by granting miraculous signs to support him: The staff becoming a snake; The hand turning leprous; Nile water turning into blood on dry land.
Still, Moses objects: “I have no speaking skills. I speak poorly.”
Is that true? Stephen says in Acts 7:22 that Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in words and deeds.
The LORD is still patient, though it’s unclear whether this is a genuine concern or an excuse. God promises to help Moses speak.
But then Moses sins: he says, “I don’t want to.” He says, “Oh Lord, please send someone else.” Moses refuses the calling God has given, even after all other objections have been answered. His unwillingness is an act of unbelief — serious, especially because God continually guaranteed His help and presence.
The LORD is angry, but still patient. He appoints Aaron to assist Moses in speaking. God says: Take your staff. Moses offers no further resistance.
What does this teach about accepting a calling (or office)?
Sing: Ps. 135:1