Nobody Said You Were Ready

God very clearly called Moses from the burning bush. It's not too many of us who experience an audible call from God. And, God was very clear with Moses what he wanted him to do. "So now, go. I am sending you..." (Exodus 3:10)

Moses was unsure. "Who am I, that I should go...?" (Exodus 3:11) I can relate to that.

"And God said, 'I will be with you.'" (Exodus 3:12). God assured Moses that he would be with him. After all, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

Still, Moses was unsure. "Suppose I go... Then what...?" (Exodus 3:13) He wants a detailed response to all the what-ifs before he even commits to obeying. I can totally relate to that.

God's response? I suppose people who are better educated would say that God answers Moses' question. I'm ignorant enough to disagree. What I hear God saying in this passage (Exodus 3:14-22) is, "I am God, and I told you to go. If they ask, tell them so. I will be with you, and I will work through you. I know the future, and I am in charge." Or, more succinctly, "Man up, Moses."

Moses is such a wuss. "What if they do not believe me or listen to me..." (Exodus 4:1) He's still not sure.

God's response? In a nutshell, it's "Don't you worry about that. I will make them believe."(Exodus 4:2-9)

And Moses is still freaking out. "I am slow of speech and tongue." (Exodus 4:10) I would, too.

God: "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." (Exodus 4:11-12)

Finally, Moses gets to the heart of it. "O Lord, please send someone else to do it." (Exodus 4:13) You see, deep down inside, Moses' problem is that he doesn't really want to do the job. Now we're in my universe. This is where most of us live every day; we want God to work, but we'd rather not have to do anything. We almost insist that we not have to do anything.

Again, this is where I disagree with the educated folks. Every person I've ever heard discuss this passage of scripture skips straight to God's answer, "What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well." They point out that God will provide us with the tools we need to accomplish his work. That's all fine and good, but I think the crux of the passage is the first part of the verse. "Then the LORD's anger burned against Moses..."(Exodus 4:14) (Emphasis mine.) Dare I say it? God was pissed off at Moses.

God is fully aware of our limitations and our fears. He was exceedingly patient with Moses' fears. But when Moses tried to wiggle out of obedience and action, God became angry with him. God doesn't require us to understand his plans for us. He doesn't require us to feel ready. He requires obedience.