Verse 8 of Isaiah 6 is the essence of all faithful service to God. Reality demands, however, that we look at our more frequent response – “Here am I; send somebody else!” Clearly, Isaiah was a “hero of faith” at this point in his life as he manifested the proper attitude concerning service. In view of Isaiah’s willingness to be used, we want to consider “the other side of the coin,” and what we learn from Moses’ attempt to shirk personal responsibility as seen in Exodus chapters 3 and 4. In doing so, as we think of the efforts of the congregation here and what attitudes are we manifesting when it comes to our service?

WHO AM I THAT I SHOULD GO – EXODUS 3:11? – There were several reasons for Moses to go:

The need for Israel’s deliverance – verses 7-9

God said to go – verse 10

God selected Moses – verse 10

Moses was uniquely prepared to go:

His Israelite heritage – verses 2:9-10, 11.

His familiarity with Egypt – 2:10; Acts 7:21, 22.

As we seek to apply this to ourselves, as we teach the lost, provoke responses in others, and bring Christians to maturity, we see the same reasons are clearly visible (Matthew 28:18-20). There is the need to go. God has said to do so. He has selected us to do so. And, we are uniquely prepared to go. So why aren’t we?

WHAT SHALL I TELL THEM – EXODUS 3:13? – God’s answer is found in Exodus 3:14-22. As far as we are concerned, God has fully equipped us:

To speak – Ephesians 4:25; Titus 2:1

To do, or to go – 2 Timothy 3:17; 2 Peter 1:3

Consider a father’s answer to his son’s questions, as he was struggling to grow in faith and convictions in teaching his friends. His father said, “Just tell them what the Bible says!” When we struggle with knowing what to say, “Just tell them what the Bible says.” Nothing more and nothing less should be said.

SUPPOSE THEY WILL NOT LISTEN OR BELIEVE ME – EXODUS 4:1? – Confirmation from God was given for Moses and Israel in verses 2-9. The simple truth is, we never quit doing what we must do even if people will not listen or believe what they are being told. Consider Noah, a preacher of righteousness, who stayed the course although, it appears, no one was paying any attention (Genesis 6:3; 1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 2:5). Also, think of Isaiah’s response in Isaiah 6:9-13. Whether Israel would listen or not, he was ready to be sent to do what the Lord would have him. The secret to success is that we never quit (Joshua 1:1-9). We must always “abound in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). We must never grow “weary in well doing” (Galatians 6:9), even if no one is listening.

I AM NOT ELOQUENT- EXODUS 4:10 – The ability to communicate truth with eloquence is desirable and useful (Acts 18:24). However, that ability is possessed by only a few. The rest of us struggle to do the best we can! Moses’ statement was quite interesting in light of his background in Egypt (Acts 7:22). Reliance on human ability/ingenuity still lives! But our weakness is opportunity for God’s power to show through (Romans 1:16).

PLEASE SEND SOMEBODY ELSE – EXODUS 4:13 – Previous statements are excuses; now we see the real reason, Moses was unwilling to go. This reminds us of the parable of the “great supper” found in Luke 14:16-24. What we have to understand is, God will exalt and use those who obey Him as seen in the events in Esther’s life (Esther 4:13). As we consider Moses’ unwillingness to go, we must pay careful attention to God’s response as seen in Exodus 4:14-17.

We note that Moses was not released from his task, just because he did not want to do what he was told. Likewise, we not released from our responsibilities of Christian living and work, no matter what they are.

God accepts legitimate reasons, but not flimsy excuses. As we consider the work of the church, it really comes down to one of two attitudes, “Here am I; send me” or “Here am I; send somebody else.” As far as we are concerned, it is our individual decision to make. In view of this, which best describes our attitude and work in God’s kingdom?

 

 

 

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