Exodus 4:11
And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord?
Exodus 4:11 (KJV)
Context
This verse is part of the conversation between God and Moses at the burning bush. Moses has just objected that he is not eloquent, saying he is slow of speech and of a slow tongue (Exodus 4:10). The Lord answers with a series of rhetorical questions that affirm His absolute sovereignty as Creator. The implied answer is that God alone is the Creator and Sovereign over all human abilities and limitations.
Meaning
By asking, “Who hath made man’s mouth?” God emphasizes His role as the ultimate Creator of all things, including human abilities and disabilities. He asserts that He has the power to make people “dumb, deaf, seeing, or blind.” This serves as a reminder to Moses that God is in control of all circumstances, and He can equip and empower anyone for His purposes. The question “have not I the Lord?” is a rhetorical question that highlights His supreme authority and faithfulness. God is not limited by human weakness; rather, He determines and governs such conditions. Therefore, Moses’ objection is met with a reminder of God’s power and authority.
Biblical connections
God’s response in verse 11 reassures Moses that his abilities or disabilities are not limitations when it comes to fulfilling God’s calling. The immediate context continues in verse 12, where God promises to be with Moses’ mouth and teach him what to say. This shows that God’s creative power is the basis for His ability to equip and enable those He calls. Regardless of any physical or personal limitations, God can use anyone as an instrument for His purposes. It is not about our natural talents or abilities, but about God’s presence and empowerment in our lives. Divine calling includes divine enabling; the God who made human faculties can also overcome their deficiencies. God’s purposes are not thwarted by human frailty.
Application
As we reflect on Exodus 4:11, we can draw several practical applications for our own lives:
Trust in God’s sovereignty: We should remember that God is the ultimate authority in our lives. No matter what limitations or challenges we face, we can trust in His sovereignty and believe that He can work through us for His purposes.
Embrace divine calling: We should not allow our perceived weaknesses or limitations to deter us from following God’s calling. Instead, we should submit to His plans, rely on His strength, and step out in faith, knowing that He will equip us for the tasks He sets before us.
Find purpose in weakness: Our weaknesses do not disqualify us from serving God. Instead, they provide an opportunity for God’s power to be displayed in our lives. We can trust that God can use our weaknesses to bring glory to His name and accomplish His plans.
Seek God’s guidance: Just as Moses needed to trust in God’s guidance, we should seek the Lord’s direction in our lives. Through prayer, reading His Word, and seeking His wisdom, we can confidently step forward in obedience, knowing that He will lead us and empower us.
Reflection
The mention of disabilities in this verse points to the fact that God can work through our weaknesses and limitations. He can use situations that appear challenging or impossible to showcase His strength and power. God’s intention is not to limit or harm individuals but to demonstrate His glory and ability to work through any circumstance. This teaching calls believers to trust in God’s power rather than in their own abilities, and it challenges any tendency to use personal inadequacy as an excuse for disobedience to God’s clear call. The broader narrative of Moses’ calling shows that God uses imperfect people to accomplish His redemptive purposes, and He often works through human weakness to display His glory.
