Excuses, Excuses

Read Exodus 1:1–4:31

10. Moses pleaded with the Lord, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.”
11. Then the Lord asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord?
12. Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.”
13. But Moses again pleaded, “Lord, please! Send anyone else.” Exodus 4:10-13

Don’t you just hate it when people make excuses? Excuses mean that somebody is trying to avoid responsibility—some job or task that rightly belongs to that person but what he or she considers too inconvenient to do. On the surface the excuse looks right, but closer examination reveals major flaws in the argument.

This reading begins a new chapter in Israel’s history. The small, privileged family of Joseph has become a large nation of oppressed Hebrew slaves. Moses will be their deliverer. After fleeing to Midian, Moses meets God at the burning bush, is given his assignment, and returns to Egypt. Moses is not qualified for the job.

Look for other lessons, including the dual excuse-busters be courageous (the Hebrew midwives) and don’t run from your problems (Moses).

Moses made excuses because he felt inadequate for the job that God asked him to do (Exodus 3:10–4:17). It was natural for him to feel that way, because he was inadequate all by himself. But God wasn’t asking Moses to work alone. He offered other resources to help (God himself, Aaron, and the ability to do miracles). God often calls us to perform tasks that seem too difficult, but he doesn’t ask us to do them alone. God offers us his resources, just as he did to Moses. We should not hide behind our inadequacies, as Moses did, but look beyond ourselves to God’s great available resources. Then we can allow him to empower our unique contributions.

What has God asked you to do? What excuses are you using to avoid this responsibility and work? Obey God by stepping out in faith. He will give you the resources to do his work.