“Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.”
This verse is a part of God’s conversation with Moses at the burning bush. Let’s explore the context and key themes of this verse.
Context: In Exodus 4, Moses is being called by God to deliver the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt. However, Moses feels inadequate and lacking in eloquence, doubting his ability to effectively communicate the message to the Israelites and Pharaoh. In response to Moses’ concerns, God reassures him of His presence and guidance.
Key Themes:
- Divine Guidance: God assures Moses that He will be with him and provide guidance. God promises to assist Moses by directing his speech and teaching him what to say. This promise of divine assistance emphasizes that Moses doesn’t have to rely on his own abilities alone but can trust in God’s wisdom and guidance.
- God’s Presence: God’s presence is a recurring theme in the Bible, and in this verse, it is highlighted as a source of strength and support. Knowing that God Himself will be with Moses gives him the confidence to fulfill his appointed task. This reassurance serves as a reminder that God’s presence is not limited to a particular time or place but extends to all His chosen servants.
- Equipping the Called: Moses’ feelings of inadequacy are common to many individuals called by God to specific tasks. God’s response to Moses reveals His desire to use imperfect vessels for His purposes. Despite Moses’ perceived limitations, God affirms that He will teach him what to say, emphasizing that God equips those whom He calls. This principle applies to all believers, as God provides wisdom, understanding, and guidance when we step out in faith to fulfill His purposes.
Application: Exodus 4:12 offers several applications for believers today:
- Trust in God’s Guidance: Like Moses, we may encounter situations where we feel inadequate or unsure of our abilities. In such moments, we can rely on God’s promise of guidance. We should seek His wisdom, trust in His leading, and remember that He will equip us with what is necessary to accomplish His purposes.
- Dependence on God’s Presence: Just as God assured Moses of His presence, we can find comfort in the fact that God is always with us. We can draw strength from His abiding presence and lean on Him in times of doubt or difficulty.
- Stepping Out in Faith: Moses had to step out in faith, trusting that God would provide the words he needed. Similarly, we should be willing to obey God’s calling, even when we feel inadequate or unqualified. As we take steps of faith, God will guide and enable us to accomplish what He has called us to do.
- Embracing Imperfection: We often underestimate our abilities and focus on our limitations. However, God sees our potential and can work through our weaknesses. We should not let feelings of inadequacy hinder us from answering God’s call. Instead, we should rely on His strength and trust that He will use us for His purposes.
