Scripture: But Moses said to the LORD, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” Then the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” Exodus 4:10-112ESV
Observation: Having expressed his concern about whether Israel would believe that he is speaking on Yahweh’s behalf, the Lord assures Moses that the nation will listen to Moses when he performs a contingency of miraculous signs. But his reluctant leader still questions God whether he has chosen the right man based on his lack of eloquence in speech. At this point, Yahweh confronts Moses about his self-doubt and reminds him that the Lord alone creates humans with their senses of speech, hearing, and sight, and thus he will guide and speak through Moses (above verses).
Likely consumed with fear and anxiety, Moses pleads one more time to God to send someone else, which provokes the Lord’s anger. But Yahweh graciously reassures Moses that he will not only teach and speak through Moses but through his brother, Aaron, who speaks well (4:13-14). Lastly, the Lord lays out the chain of command:
- The Lord will give Moses the words to say.
- Moses will instruct Aaron.
- Aaron will speak to the nation.
And Moses “shall be as God to him” (4:16-17).
Takeaway: A minority of us excel in public speaking. A survey conducted in 2013 by the Sunday Times revealed that public speaking ranked second highest of all fears (only to fearing the loss of a loved one). Another research study showed that glossophobia (fear of public speaking) affects nearly 75% of our population. That’s why those gifted at public speaking make the big bucks—lol! But this story is not about Moses’ insecurities; it’s about how God equips those he calls to pronounce his message. We see this dynamic through Israel’s succession of prophets, priests, and kings.
Here, though, the focus is on effective communication, mainly speaking on behalf of God to those who may question our authority or not like our message. Jesus understood the risks, and that’s why he promised his disciples that the Holy Spirit would give them the words to say when they would face a hostile audience (Luke 12:12). So when we feel the tightness of breath and the blood rushing to our head, we would do well to remember Jesus’ promise and King David’s prayer: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).
All of us who can communicate, whether with words or sign language, are equipped to speak God’s Word. And when we focus on pleasing God and rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance, the words will flow from our hearts. And the outcome is the Lord’s.
Prayer: Father God, we thank you for sending us your Son, who is the Word, and your Holy Spirit, who helps us communicate your Word. Would you please help us when fear grips us to refocus on pleasing you and then rely on your Holy Spirit to guide us? Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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