Day 19.
But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” (Exodus 4:10-12 ESV)
Moses was living in Sinai at this time in his life, having run away from Egypt for killing an Egyptian taskmaster. God appears to him in the burning bush and calls him to return to Egypt and lead all of Israel out of their bondage. But Moses is reluctant. He is being called to a big task in persuading Israel to follow him, and then convincing Pharaoh, the most powerful man in the world, to let his massive slave force go. That’s an intimidating calling! it is not surprising to see Moses’ reluctance.
His excuse is interesting, “I am slow of speech and of tongue.” Graciously, God reminds him who made his tongue, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?” God always equips you for that which he has called you. Another way of saying it is, God never calls you to do anything He hasn’t equipped you to do.
This should encourage and embolden you to go forth and engage in the work of the Great Commission. Remember his preceding words to the commission, “all authority on heaven and earth has been given to me” and “you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” This is not unlike Moses’ calling.
So why do we so often do nothing? Moses shows us this too when he says, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” (Exodus 4:13 ESV) This is the real issue. We just don’t want to do it. Either we are afraid or we have our heart set on other things. That’s revealing.
Lord, part of me is eager to go where you call and part of me is reluctant, tied to things of the world. I confess my reluctance. I ask for your forgiveness. Tune my heart, instead, to your voice. Be gracious to me and make my calling loud and clear. Gently remove all of my excuses as you did with Moses and help me to know the power of the Holy Spirit who equips me for your calling.
