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In Order. SAY WHAT

January 31, 2017. Exodus 4-6.

 

Exodus 6.28-30 When the Lord spoke to Moses in the land of Egypt, 29 he said to him, “I am the Lord! Tell Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, everything I am telling you.” 30 But Moses argued with the Lord, saying, “I can’t do it! I’m such a clumsy speaker! Why should Pharaoh listen to me?”

Have you ever heard something that sounded so incredible or unbelievable that you responded by using the colloquialism “Say What?”? On several occasions God has asked me to join Him in doing some things that I have questions about, perhaps did not hear correctly or was convinced He mistakenly thought I was someone else. On those occasions I responded with a “Say What?”! When Moses was called by God to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt and into the promised land he responded with a “Say What?”. 

3.10 Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh.You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.”11 But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?”

Moses like us had a lot of reasons why he should not and did not want to obey the Lord.

    He was wanted for murder back in Egypt.

2.12 After looking in all directions to make sure no one was watching, Moses killed the Egyptian and hid the body in the sand.

 

    He already tried to help the Hebrews (by murdering the Egyptian who was abusing them) and they rejected him.

2.14 The man replied, “Who appointed you to be our prince and judge? Are you going to kill me as you killed that Egyptian yesterday?”

    

    He was afraid the Hebrews would not believe him.

4.1But Moses protested again, “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me? What if they say, ‘The Lord never appeared to you’?”

    He had a handicap. 

4.10 But Moses pleaded with the Lord, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.” 

 He has had a wife and family, been away from Egypt for 40 years enjoying the stress free life of a Shepherd and if that were not enough he now is 80 years old. 

I would think those are pretty legit reasons to respond with a “Say What ?” to God’s request. 

So why does God push us out of our comfort zones to join him in something we think will not be good for us or is just crazy?

4.5 You can be sure that I have heard the groans of the people of Israel, who are now slaves to the Egyptians. And I am well aware of my covenant with them.6 “Therefore, say to the people of Israel: ‘I am the Lord. I will free you from your oppression and will rescue you from your slavery in Egypt.

God wants to use us because He loves people and wants to help them. Ultimately it’s not about us. “Say What?”    

    

Previous Devotional - January 30

Sal Sberna

Sal Sberna was Lead Pastor at The MET Church in Houston, Texas for 20 years. He retired on February 2015. He and Kristi Sberna have been married since 1981. They have two children, Salvatore and...more