Exodus 4 continues the discussion between God and Moses who really doesn’t want to lead the people. He objects that the people aren’t going to listen to him. God tells him to throw his staff and it becomes a snake. That caught Moses off guard. When Moses picks it back up it is a stick again. But that wasn’t quite enough. God then tells Moses to put his hand inside his shirt. When he pulled it out, it was leprous. When he stuck it back it was “healthy as before”. The also has Moses pour some water from the Nile on the ground and it turns to blood. So God was making it pretty clear He was able to provide the proof that Moses was a leader appointed by God. Of course Moses moves to the next objection –he stutters. God asks Him “who do you think made the human mouth” and pretty much says to quit worrying about it and trust Him. But Moses can’t let go and wants someone else to speak for him. “God got angry with Moses” but then allows Aaron his brother to become the mouthpiece. Armed with God’s power and Aaron as mouthpiece, he sets off in stubborn obedience to go set his people free.
Isn’t it how we are far too often? God gives us a mission and we only want to focus on what we believe are our shortcomings rather than on the power of God. If God calls us, He will equip us. Moses resists and argues with God before finally getting around to obedience. He didn’t want the job. But as he goes, he spends time with God at the mountain and gets the words needed to lead his people. When he tells them what will happen, “the people trusted and listened believingly”. Moses knew they wouldn’t listen to him. God knew a whole lot better that they would. We need to learn the lesson here that God alone knows the big picture. We are a simple piece of a much bigger situation. God alone knows our part in that whole picture. We need to get aligned with His plan and plug in to His story. Arguing with God is not a recommended strategy for success. Obedience is the key!
Posted by asorensen 
