“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?”
This verse is part of the conversation between God and Moses, where Moses is expressing his insecurities and reluctance to fulfill the task of leading the Israelites out of Egypt. Let’s explore the key themes and lessons found in this verse:
God’s sovereignty and power: In this verse, the Lord reminds Moses of His authority and power as the Creator. 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.
Divine calling and equipping: Moses had expressed concerns about his ability to speak eloquently (Exodus 4:10). God’s response in verse 11 reassures Moses that his abilities or disabilities are not limitations when it comes to fulfilling God’s calling. 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.
God’s purpose in human weaknesses: 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.
Trusting in God’s guidance: By reminding Moses of His authority, God is inviting Moses to trust in His guidance and rely on His strength. God’s question, “have not I the Lord?” is a rhetorical question that highlights His supreme authority and faithfulness. Moses is being encouraged to have faith in God’s ability to provide for him, lead him, and accomplish the tasks set before him.
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.
Remember, this Bible study provides insights into Exodus 4:11, but it’s always beneficial to read the surrounding verses and consult other resources to gain a deeper understanding of the passage.
