“And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.”
Context: In this verse, Moses is speaking to God at the burning bush. God had just revealed His plan to send Moses to Pharaoh to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. However, Moses hesitates and expresses his concerns about his ability to speak persuasively. This verse is part of Moses’ response to God’s call.
Moses’ Reluctance: Moses had been living as a shepherd in Midian for 40 years, and he may have felt inadequate for the task God was assigning him. He doubted his ability to speak eloquently and feared rejection or failure. His response, “O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send,” reveals his hesitancy and reluctance to take on this great responsibility.
God’s Patient Response: Despite Moses’ reluctance, God reassures him and provides a solution. In the following verses, God promises to be with Moses, to teach him what to say, and to provide Aaron, Moses’ brother, as his spokesman. God addresses Moses’ concerns and encourages him to trust in His guidance and provision.
Lessons for Today:
- Trust in God’s Calling: Like Moses, we may sometimes feel inadequate or hesitant when God calls us to a particular task or mission. However, God equips and empowers those whom He calls. We should trust in His guidance and have faith that He will enable us to fulfill His purposes.
- Overcoming Insecurities: Moses was concerned about his speaking abilities, but God reassured him that He would provide the words. We, too, may have insecurities or limitations, but we can rely on God’s strength and grace. He often works through our weaknesses to demonstrate His power.
- Willingness to Be Used: Moses initially resisted God’s call, but he eventually yielded and obeyed. Sometimes, we may feel unqualified or afraid to step out in faith. However, when we are willing to be used by God, He can accomplish great things through us.
- God’s Provision: God provided Aaron as a support to Moses, highlighting the importance of community and working together in fulfilling God’s plans. We should seek support from fellow believers and rely on God’s provision as we pursue His purposes.
In Exodus 4:13, we see Moses expressing his concerns and doubts, but God patiently addresses them and provides reassurance. This verse reminds us to trust in God’s calling, overcome insecurities, be willing to be used, and rely on His provision.
