“And Moses said before the Lord, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?”
Context:The book of Exodus recounts the story of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt. In this verse, Moses is expressing his concern to God about his ability to effectively speak and convince Pharaoh to let the Israelites go.
Moses’ Insecurity:Moses, who had been chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, felt inadequate and lacked confidence in his speaking abilities. He describes himself as having “uncircumcised lips,” which symbolically represents being unfit for the task at hand.
God’s Response:Throughout the narrative of Exodus, we see that God understands Moses’ insecurities and patiently addresses his concerns. In the following chapters, God assures Moses that He will be with him, guide him, and even provide Aaron as a spokesman for him.
Lessons for us:
- Recognising our limitations:Like Moses, we may sometimes feel inadequate or lacking in certain areas. It is essential to acknowledge our weaknesses and limitations, as it can lead us to rely more on God’s strength and guidance.
- Trusting in God’s provision:When we feel inadequate or ill-equipped for a task, we can find assurance in knowing that God equips and empowers those whom He calls. God does not necessarily choose the most skilled or qualified individuals but rather works through those who are willing to trust and obey Him.
- Overcoming insecurities:Moses’ doubts did not disqualify him from being used by God. In fact, God often works through imperfect vessels. We can learn from Moses’ journey and be encouraged to step out in faith, even when we feel inadequate. God’s power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Application:When faced with daunting situations or tasks, we can turn to God, acknowledging our insecurities and asking for His guidance and strength. God is faithful to equip and empower us for the work He has called us to do. Remember that studying the Bible in its entirety helps provide a broader understanding of God’s message and His character.
