E17 Exodus 3,4 – How God Calls The Hesitant

How can use me? Isn't this the first thought that crosses our mind when we hear God calling?

I don't know about you, but I am sure glad that the heroes of the Bible also struggled with that question. It's good to know that I am not the first person (and I won't the last) who asked God to send someone else. It means that God doesn't call the skilled and qualified but rather those who are aware of their limitations, the hesitant. And from this story can glean how God calls, trains, and sends those who are hesitant.

The Calling. Moses was hesitant; but at least he was able to notice that the bush did not burn up, which had to take some time. God cant call you if you not paying attention.  God begins with those are awake, we can do that!  Paul encourages this like this: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. (Eph. 5:14)" 

The Training. This is made up of God answering Moses' who, what and how questions. Through the answers God reveals His name and some of His attributes. One interaction stands out though. On Ex. 4:2, God asks the eighty year old Moses, "what is in your hand?" God was directing Moses attention to his shepherd's staff, to reassure that this training is nothing new, God has been training Moses for forty years in the desert (Acts 7:23, 30). God is also revealing that He is going to use Moses' natural talents and the things that he is used already. Did you now that God has been training you all your life and that he will use the things that in your hand already?

The Failed Launch. The story is been building up, God has answered every question and displayed miracles, you expect Moses raise up like a hero…when he anticlimactically asks God to send someone else. God is patient, but there is a limit, the Bible says that the Lord's anger burned against Moses (Ex 4:13-14). Dear God, help me not be like this!

God is merciful with us, his mercy endured and allowed Moses the help of his brother Aaron, and sent him with this charge: "But take up this staff in your hand so you can perform miraculous signs with it!" (Ex 4:17).

A word to the hesitant, yes God is calling us, yes he will encourage and empower you, don't stay hesitant forever!
What is in your hand?