Daily Thought

Moses has second thoughts! He is anxious that the people might simply not believe him. Will oral testimony alone be enough to convince the sceptics? In great mercy God understands His reluctant servant’s plight and arms him with three convincing signs.

• First, his rod turns into a serpent.
• Second, his hand becomes leprous.
• Third, water from the river becomes blood.

These were not simply one-off phenomena but repeatable signs to convince the people. It is true that while some may not be convinced by oral testimony alone they will be convinced by an appreciation of the power of God in a person’s life.

However, in spite of this support Moses’ nerve fails, and he indicates that while all these signs are fine as ‘back-up’ his vital problem is one of communication. He deeply felt his lack of eloquence, and this had not changed. How often we look for circumstances to change for the better rather than rely on God to see us through them. Moses, on this suspect premise, tries to avoid the responsibility and God is angry. It is He who can teach him; it is He who gives eloquence; it is He who convicts hearts.

Moses suggests someone else be sent. While he appreciates the needs of the people and the demands of God, he would be grateful if someone else would take on the responsibility. Some are faced with this today; a lack of self-confidence, an evident need, no one else to help - not even an Aaron. We need to pray for those in small assemblies who, feeling inadequate, have responsibility thrust upon them.

Nevertheless, God is merciful to His servant. He says, ‘I will teach thee’. Furthermore, He offers practical help in providing Aaron to assist him. He is to become Moses’ spokesman.

Thus, we see that God surrounded Moses with every support he could possibly need. We must understand that God’s purpose will always be worked out. If He chooses someone for His work, He will equip and support him in every way, and demonstrate His power to him.

Be heartened - ‘if God be for us, who can be against us?’, Rom 8. 31.