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This is an exposition of Exodus 4:1-17. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, May 6, 2018.
Intro:
It is easy to forget that the men and women of Scripture were men and women of flesh and blood. They were not “super saints.” They did not have things unavailable to us. And it is not a matter that man has devolved over time. That those folks closer to the original creation were more spiritual than those of us so far removed. In fact, when you read Scripture honestly and carefully they are all noticeably flawed. Before we see Moses standing before the Red Sea with his staff out-stretched and the children of Israel crossing on dry ground, before he comes down from the mountain carrying the tablets of stone that contain God’s Ten Words, before we hear him bolding pleading with God to spare His wayward people, we see him barefoot before the burning bush trying to dodge God’s call. I find that very comforting! It is comforting because it is another gracious reminder of our God’s long-suffering patience with His less than stellar people. You may not need such a reminder but I do. Are you ever reluctant to do what God commands? Do you lie about other things too? Moses was minding his own business, taking care of his father-in-law’s sheep when he caught sight of that bush burning but not being consumed. He went over to investigate and God spoke to him. God said, “Moses, Moses!” Moses responded, “Here I am.” Moses, said, “Yes, sir. I’m right here.” Implied in that is a willingness to do whatever God wanted him to do. Eventually God says, “I want you to go down into Egypt and tell Pharaoh that I said, ‘Let My people go!’” He didn’t see that one coming. “Who am I to do such a thing?” He objected saying, “I’m inadequate for such a task.” God said, “I know you are but I’m going with you.” Moses then asked, “Who are you? What is Your name?” God then graciously reveals himself as the eternal, ever-existing, ever-powerful, all sufficient God. Now, if the ever-existing, all sufficient God to whom everyone and everything owes its existence, calls you to do something and promises His abiding presence - you would think the matter is settled. But Moses is still not convinced. Our text is found in Exodus chapter 4 beginning with verse 1.
Text: Exodus 4:1-17
Remember 400 years of slavery.
Crying out to God to deliver, to do something, anything.
Moses sentenced to die at birth but miraculously preserved.
He did attempt to intervene on behalf of his people 2:11-15.
That was a disaster.
Then 40 years on the backside of the wilderness.
Now, God is calling and commissioning His chosen instrument.
Moses objects and I understand that.
Given the circumstances, the passage of time, all that has happened, Moses’ objections or questions seem to be reasonable. It is also worth noting that God is gracious and patient in dealing with Moses. His objections continue.
As we work our way through this text we are reminded…
Thesis: When faced with the impossible you can be assured that God deals graciously, lovingly and mercifully with His reluctant servants.
When God calls we should go. When He demands we should respond but we are the flawed, fallen sons and daughters of Adam. When we come to Christ we are declared righteous because of Christ, and we begin the process of sanctification thus we are, in Luther’s terms, at the same time righteous and yet sinners. We are called to the obedience of faith but that is a long and difficult process. In our text Moses serves as an example of how our God deals with His reluctant servants.
There are three (3) things I want us to note.
- God graciously combats lack of confidence with a demonstration of His power and authority. (4:1-9)
- God lovingly confronts inability with the assurance of His sovereignty and His abiding presence. (4:10-12)
- God mercifully deals with stubborn unbelief by accommodating that unbelief in reaffirming His will. (4:13-17)
Conclusion:
When faced with the impossible you can be assured that God deals graciously, lovingly and mercifully with His reluctant servants.
God promised Moses He would send His people a prophet like Moses (Deut. 18:18) and we know that was Jesus (Acts 3:20-23). I’m grateful that though he was like Moses he was also different. “Father if there is any other way let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless not my will, but your will be done.” He delivered us not from Egypt but from the bondage of sin and death.
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