Following is an actual note from a parent to her daughter's teacher.
"Please excuse Jennifer for missing school yesterday. We forgot to get the Sunday paper off the porch, and when we found it Monday, we thought it was Sunday."
I'm amazed a parent would commit such a blunder to paper. Makes you wonder who should be in school--the parent or the child.
In Exodus, Chapter 3 & 4, the encounter Moses had with God at the burning bush is presented. In light of the marvelous and undeniable presence of God, all Moses could do was make excuses. Basically, Moses asked 5 pitiful questions regarding his ability to lead the people of Israel from Egypt.
1. Who Am I? God's Response: "I'll be with you."
2. Who Are You? God's Response: "Tell them "I AM" sent you."
3. Why Believe Me? God's Response: "Perform three signs."- 1) Rod into serpent 2) Hand becomes Leprous and is healed. 3: Water is turned into blood.
4. What Can I Say? God's Response: "I made your mouth. I'll tell you what to say."
5 . Why Not Send Someone Else? God's Response: "O.K. You're Making me mad. I'll give you a spokesman, Aaron."
While hearing all of the "crawfishing" from Moses, God showed remarkable grace in continuing to extend the call to Moses. He sought to teach him five lessons in response to his final three excuses (Ex. 4:1-17).
5 Words that describe the lessons God taught Moses.
I. Surrender (4:1-5)
In order to prove to the Hebrews Moses came with authority from God, he was given three signs. The first dealt with the importance of surrendering worldly identity. God asked Moses to take what was in his hand and lay it down. In his hand was a staff he used to tend his flock of sheep. The staff represented his support, security, and skills. He had to let go of it in order for God to use him.
II. Sin (vv.6-9)
Next, God gave him a sign that represented the sinfulness of the human heart and God’s ability to cleanse us from iniquity. God instructed Moses to place his hand inside his cloak. Once he removed his hand it was covered with dreaded leprosy. He was told to place inside his hand cloak again and, then, his hand was cleansed. Our hearts are wicked (Matt. 15:18-19). Only God can cleanse us of the sin within us.
III. Salvation (v.9)
Then, a third sign was given, which illustrated what would happen if a person does not deal with the truths demonstrated by the first two signs. If a person does not surrender and repent of their sin, their blood will be required of them. Importantly, this last sign foreshadows the coming of Jesus who would be the ultimate sacrifice for our sin. If we trust in Christ, the blood he shed is sufficient to pay our sin debt.
IV. Speech (vv.10-12)
The next to last excuse of Moses dealt with his personal appraisal of his own speaking skills. God reminded him that He made his mouth and would teach him what to say.
At the Mississippi Evangelism Conference in January, Frank Cox shared that there is a member in his church that is illiterate. Since he cannot read, he shares the Gospel with others by asking people to read a copy of scriptures pertaining to salvation. He has led many to Christ. God will use us, if we let him.
V. Supply (13-17)
Finally, Moses tried to pass the buck. God was moved to anger and he promised to give Moses a spokesman. This was not the ideal arrangement. God wanted Moses to go by himself, but he was gracious and provided him a helpmate.
Conclusions
1. Who we are doesn’t matter as much as whose we are.
2. We all have heart problems
3. Only the shed blood of Jesus cleanses our sin.
4. The message of God is more powerful than the messenger.
5. God supplies our needs.
What is your excuse for not serving the Lord today? Remember, God is sufficient to supply all you need.
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