Day 19

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Burning bush. 17th century painting by Sébastien Bourdon in the Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg

Scripture

January 19—Exodus 3-6: Moses’s Call to Deal with Pharaoh

Observation

At last, God is ready to commission Moses for the task of delivering his people from bondage. But Moses is reluctant to accept the commission! Confronted by God in a burning bush, Moses responds with four excuses that focus on his inadequacy for the assignment. But neither Moses’ weakness nor Pharaoh’s stubbornness can stand in the way of God’s sovereign plan to release his people. Finally convinced of God’s strength, Moses confronts Pharaoh with the ringing declaration, “Let my people go” (5:1).

Application

Let's pretend for a moment that we are Moses. We are tending our sheep on a quiet mountainside when suddenly a bush bursts in flame—but is not consumed. Naturally curious, we move closer to study this remarkable sight and come to face to face with the God of Israel, who declares, “I am going to send you to Pharaoh” (3:10). How would we respond? Probably we’d do exactly what Moses did: feel inadequate to represent God before the mightiest ruler of our day. Inadequate to deliver God’s words. And we know, we’d be right. God Already knows we’re inadequate. That’s why he selected us—so that his strength might shine through our weakness and our life might radiate his glory.

Prayer

God, you know our physical condition. Show your strength through our weakness. Use our capabilities--what we are capable of--to demonstrate to others that you are the incomparable, “I AM”.

Moses and Aaron before Pharaoh: An Allegory of the Dinteville Family (Netherlandish, active mid-16th century)








© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2019

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