Mysty PfefferExodus Week Four
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 your mouth and teach you what you shall speak?
Exodus 4:11-12
Today’s reading for our text is Exodus chapter 4, we will see God’s patience with Moses and the signs he is to preform. Moses is still in the presence of God before the burning bush. Please take a moment to read this chapter before it is discussed in the post below.
Last week we learned about covenant and how Abraham’s descendants would never be able to fulfill their end of this powerful agreement between God and man. The penalty of which eventually falls on God in flesh, Jesus.
However, this week we see the loving patience of God giving signs to Moses as proof He will be by his side as he presents the plan to the elders of Israel with his brother Aaron. Moses’ response in verse one is classic of us as we hesitate to present truth to the skeptical, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, “The Lord did not appear to you.”
God Will Teach Him to Speak
The Lord is such a masterful teacher, isn’t he? He says to Moses what is that in your hand? Moses replies the obvious, it is a staff. He is commanded to throw it on the ground as it becomes a serpent. We learn in the teaching time, that the snake represents “Wadjet” the snake God and protector of Pharaoh. God is showing He has power over the natural order and all other false gods.
God proceeds to show Moses His power over diseases as he places his hand in and out of his robe; normal to leprous, to normal again. Lastly, God tells Moses to take some water from the life-supporting Nile River and pour it on the ground as it becomes blood. Proof to Moses and Israel God is in control of life and death.
Poor Moses, he tries to wiggle out of this commitment three different times in this chapter alone. His next objection is that he is not eloquent of speech. God assures him, “Who made the mouth? It is not I? He promises to be Moses’ mouth and teach him what he will speak. (vs. 11-12). Finally, Moses just says, “’Oh my Lord, please send someone else.”
Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses. I wonder if the bush, at this point, shoots a billow of fire above as the Lord convinces Moses he is the chosen deliverer. Aaron, his brother, is on his way to be his mouthpiece. Therefore, Moses is convinced and asks Jethro’s permission to take his family and leave for Egypt because all those seeking his life are dead. We get a glimpse of how difficult this plan will be as God warns him about the hardness of Pharaoh’s heart. Keep in mind, Pharaoh’s heart is already hard because he thinks he is a god.
The Risk of Not Taking God Seriously
The historical account takes a sudden turn in verses 24-26 at a lodging place along the way back to Egypt. The Lord met Moses and sought to put him to death (vs. 24). We understand from last week’s study Moses was born in a Hebrew home, nursed there until he was weaned, then sent to Pharaoh’s daughter to be raised in the palace. Although he understood he was a Hebrew, when he became a father in his forties in the land of Midian, he failed to adhere to the covenant of circumcision ascribed to his people (See Genesis 17:1-14).
We do not know if Zipporah was for it or against it at the time of her son’s birth. Nor do we see circumcision as a custom her priestly father practiced with his own family. All we see is that Zipporah, took a knife to her son’s foreskin to save the life of her husband. The inference here is understood, she did not do it happily.
God’s command to circumcise every male on the eighth day as a sign of the everlasting covenant in the flesh of his offspring is to be obeyed! However, when not obeyed, they shall be cut off from his people for breaking the covenant (Gen. 17:14). We see the seriousness for Moses, and us for that matter, of obeying God’s commands. When he calls us to follow Him and carry out his plans, it’s time to listen.
Reunited and Ready to Deliver
As Moses’ life is spared, and Aaron arrives to meet him at the mountain of God. They leave to gather all the elders of Israel to speak the words that the Lord spoke to Moses. “And the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord had visited the people of Israel and that he had seen their affliction, they bowed their heads and worshipped (Exodus 4:31).
The beauty of trusting God is stepping forward in what he calls us to do, despite our lack of eloquence, or ability. When we submit to Him, He will teach us what we are to speak. Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness and patience in our hesitancy and doubt. May we overcome the fear and trepidation in such a volatile culture and speak the truth as we remember your signs of wonder and glory through Moses, and later Jesus.
Get your workbook for our Exodus Study, God of Deliverance by Jen Wilkin at Lifeway.com/deliverance.
