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.” But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” Then the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses and he said, “Is there not Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Behold, he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth, and I will be with your mouth and with his mouth and will teach you both what to do. He shall speak for you to the people, and he shall be your mouth, and you shall be as God to him. And take in your hand this staff, with which you shall do the signs.”
Exodus 4:10-17 ESV [Click here to read the entire chapter.]
Observation: Recapping Friday’s Daily Focus, assured by Yahweh that he would deliver Israel from Pharaoh’s control and lead them to the Promised Land, resourced with plundered jewelry and clothing, Moses still questions whether his people would believe that he speaks on God’s behalf. So the Lord equips Moses with three signs that will add credibility:
- When he throws his staff to the ground, it will turn into a serpent, but it will reform into his staff when he picks it up by the tail.
- When he places his hand inside his cloak and retracts it, it will be white and diseased the first time but healthy the second time.
- And if Israel continues in unbelief, when Moses pours water from the Nile on dry ground, it will turn to blood.
Today’s reading continues the account of Moses’ close encounter with Yahweh at the burning bush. Even though the Lord assured Moses that the nation would listen to him when he performed the miraculous signs, this reluctant leader now 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 “I AM” alone creates humans with their senses of speech, hearing, and sight, and thus, he will guide and speak through Moses. Still, Moses pleads one more time to God to send someone else, which provokes the Lord’s anger.
Nevertheless, Yahweh graciously reassures Moses that his brother Aaron will speak on Moses’ behalf. Moreover, the Lord will teach both men what to say and 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.
Lastly, God commands Moses to grasp his staff, for he will use it to perform the signs.
Takeaway: A minority of us excel in public speaking. A 2013 survey conducted 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! However, this story is not about Moses’ insecurities but how God equips those he calls to pronounce his message.
Regarding Moses’ reluctantness, while the Lord graciously offers Aaron as backup, there is a price to pay for Moses’ persistent request to find someone else. The honor of assuming the priesthood will go to Aaron (as alluded by reference to Aaron being the Levite (v.14). Of course, this is an anachronism, but Moses (the author) undoubtedly has this on his mind as he writes this self-effacing segment.
Our takeaway? There are two. First, when God calls us to step up to the plate, we can still count on God’s grace if we hedge, but we may forfeit a divine blessing, as did Moses. Second, when we obey, we must remember that we speak on behalf of Christ, and his people did not always welcome what he had to say. That’s why he promised his disciples that the Holy Spirit would give them the words to say when they faced a hostile audience (Luke 12:12). He will do the same for us if we ask.
Our part? We all communicate, whether with our words, non-verbals, or actions, but he must equip us to influence others for his glory. Indeed, he has through the gift of his Holy Spirit. So when anxiety kicks in, we must refocus on pleasing God and listen to the whispers of assurance from the Holy Spirit. When we do, even if we stammer, quiver, and sweat, our heartfelt words will bless God and impact at least one person: ourselves. Because each step of faith, where we press through our fears, draws us closer to God.
Meanwhile, we must remember that we are merely the Lord’s vessels. He determines the outcome. So when we feel the tightness of breath, the dryness of mouth, and the blood rushing to our heads before we speak, 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 ESV).
Lastly, remember to grab your staff, which reminds us of our Good Shepherd who died for us to bring us abundant life here and now and eternal life where we will never again fear public speaking but sing our uninhibited praises joyously.
Prayer: Father God, we thank you for sending us your Son, the Word, and your Holy Spirit, who helps us communicate your Word. Please help us when fear grips us to grab the staff of our Good Shepherd, refocus on pleasing him and you, pray the prayer of David, and then rely on your Holy Spirit to guide us and on you for the outcome. Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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