Just One More Question....
Read Exodus 3 and 4

I find myself so drawn to the character of Moses, perhaps because I see so much of myself in his doubts and fears.  He is living a simple, very ordinary life as a shepherd when he is summoned by the voice of God.   He does not appear to have any special ambitions or purpose, and thus is completely caught off guard when God confronts him with His great rescue mission. 

Moses clearly feels incompetent for the task and asks "Who am I, that I should go...".  God's answer is simple: "I will be with you."  For God, the promise of His presence is more than sufficient.  But Moses has a lot more questions to ask!

He asks what he should tell the people when they ask who has sent him.  God's responds with the enigmatic answer: "I am Who I Am," at one and the same time answering and leaving room for plenty more questions. My theology professor pointed out that the construction in Hebrew is perhaps more properly translated "I will be Who I will be."  In a sense, God is saying, "Just watch and see what I will do."  Our God is one who acts concretely in human history, and it is often through His decisive actions on our behalf that His character is revealed.

Moses is still a long way from convinced.  "What if they do not believe me...?"  He asks.  An obvious question.  God remains patient, and gives Moses a sign as He turns his wooden staff into a snake.  Moses has now seen the glory of God in the burning bush, heard the voice of God, and seen concrete evidence of His power.  Certainly God's power is evident.  But it is his role in the affair that concerns Moses still.

"O Lord, I have never been eloquent...I am slow of speech and tongue."  At this point I can't help but feel some sympathy for Moses.  We make so much these days about serving within the context of our own talents and giftings, but here is God asking Moses to do something for which he is clearly ill-equipped.  However, God's call remains firm:  "Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."

At this point, there really are no more questions, so Moses simply resorts to pleading his case:  ''O Lord, please send someone else to do it."  Again, as shameful as this is, I resonate with Moses here.  How often I have been burdened by a need around me, but failed to stand up myself to act.  Perhaps in my mind the same tacit pleading is there: O Lord, send someone else!

It is at this point that I find the remarkable paradox of God's holiness and love reappear.  He is angry, and rightly so, for Moses has persistently questioned His call and His promise.  And yet, at the very same time, He is so very gracious, telling this poor, stuttering shepherd that his brother (who can speak much better) is already on the way.  God had it all worked out.  He wanted Moses' trust and obedience, and at the same time He was committed to providing everything that Moses would need for the task.

The remarkable ending of this portion of the story...."Then Moses went back to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, "Let me go back to my own people in Egypt....""  In spite of his deep fears and personal weaknesses, Moses trusted himself to God.

Dear Lord,
I am humbled and inspired by this stuttering shepherd, who in spite of all his questions and fears, followed your bold call upon his life.  Remind me that where and when you call us to a particular journey, you will also provide all that we need along the way.  Give me courage and trust.
Amen.