Look who's talking

 

Exodus 4:1-17

Most of us can probably relate to Moses. God showed up in a burning bush and told Moses he had a new job. Moses either realized the absurdity of the call or felt the pressure of his insecurities. Or maybe a little bit of both. For anyone who has ever doubted themselves, this story hits home. Don't think you're the only one that's ever tried to convince God to pick someone else. We come from a long line of excuse makers. So, you might as well forego the temptation to negotiate with God. Just listen to the call! As much as we might relate to Moses, though, we actually connect more with the rest of the Israelites. There was only one Moses. While he may have battled with self-doubt, he was sure the people of God wouldn't believe or listen to him. Why would they? Who was he to lead them? He had no eloquence or, seemingly, real confidence. And if you know the Exodus story, you know the constant struggle between Moses and the Israelites. They followed his lead, and they didn't. They thanked God for him, and they didn't. Moses was right to question whether the people would believe him. And we do well to acknowledge our unwillingness to hear people like Moses. No, we shouldn't give anyone a free pass because they say they're speaking for God. That's where spiritual abuse comes from. But we Christians should consider how we let eloquence, prestige or preference determine what we're willing to hear. God speaks through whom God wants. The first time I really learned this was during a reading in worship. The pastor had arranged for several people to read parts of a call and response prayer. Several adults read various prayer calls and the response sections were God's response. The pastor chose a little girl to read each of God's responses. Her frail, squeaky voice shocked me at first. Shouldn't God's voice be booming? Maybe. Unless God needs another voice to speak. The lesson, then, is to learn how to hear what God is speaking, no matter who is talking. Stay blessed...john