Exodus 4:1-13 New American Standard Bible 1995
Moses Given Powers
4 Then Moses said, “What if they will not believe me or listen [a]to what I say? For they may say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you.’” 2 The Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” And he said, “A staff.” 3 Then He said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it. 4 But the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand and grasp it by its tail”—so he stretched out his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his [b]hand— 5 “that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.”
6 The Lord furthermore said to him, “Now put your hand into your bosom.” So he put his hand into his bosom, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous like snow. 7 Then He said, “Put your hand into your bosom again.” So he put his hand into his bosom again, and when he took it out of his bosom, behold, it was restored like the rest of his flesh. 8 “If they will not believe you or [c]heed the [d]witness of the first sign, they may believe the [e]witness of the last sign. 9 But if they will not believe even these two signs or heed what you say, then you shall take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground; and the water which you take from the Nile will become blood on the dry ground.”
10 Then Moses said to the Lord, “Please, Lord, I have never been [f]eloquent, neither [g]recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am [h] slow of speech and [i]slow of tongue.” 11 The Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say.” 13 But he said, “Please, Lord, now [j]send the message by whomever You will.”
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
Moses was from the Levitical line from Jacob, and was called to be God’s great prophet to Israel.
Set afloat upon the Nile River by his mother to protect him from Pharaoh’s wrath and lethal edict against the lives of the Hebrew children, he was found by the daughters of that Pharaoh and he was raised to be a Prince in their courts.
Driven out of Egypt by a murder charge, walked through the wilderness to the land of Median where he was the one who would lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, and became the nation’s renowned Lawgiver, at eighty years of age!
Kept by God in social isolation for half his life, he was in the despised vocation of sheep-herder, lived in the parched, arid wilderness, where his self-will was allowed to rest for 40 years, raise a family but still suffer as a broken criminal.
It was here that one day the fiery flame of the Lord met with him at the burning bush and Moses found himself being summoned by the God of His fore fathers, called out of comfort by his name to save God’s people from slavery in Egypt.
Before his intense training program, Moses thought He could do all things through his own strength.
But it was not until his will was built up in Egypt, torn down and crushed by the Lord in his own exile, his wilderness walk, that Moses had his earth-shattering encounter with God alone on Mount Sinai, Who announced, “I AM Who I AM.”
Moses… the former prideful prince of Egypt, became the most humble of men, due to his encounter with God.
He immediately recoiled from the enormous responsibility God chose to lay upon his shoulders.
How could a man that stuttered so badly and spoke so inarticulately be the chosen mouthpiece for the God of the universe?
How could Moses convey God’s orders to the great king of the earth?
“I am not a man of words,” he pleaded.
“I am not good at public speaking. I do not have a gift of the gab. I am not fluent in language. I find it difficult to get my words out and stumble over my speech – I am not an eloquent orator” – were his excuses.
Moses had not yet proved God’s sufficient grace.
He had yet to discover that His grace is perfected in our weaknesses.
Moses had not yet acknowledged the inexhaustible riches of God’s grace and His unlimited power to work in the lives of His people.
But God not only makes man’s lips and mouths. He makes the deaf to hear, the dumb to speak, and gives sight to the blind.
The Lord is the One Who possesses power over all the senses, attributes of men.
He is the One that created all things, and He is the One Who holds all things together. God is well able to equip His chosen vessel with the qualification and abilities needed to fulfil His heavenly instructions – for His grace, and His grace alone is sufficient, His strength alone which is made perfect in our weakness.
Claiming to have a speech impediment was only one of a number of excuses Moses gave to the Lord.
He was also concerned that Israel would neither believe him nor respect his word, and he begged God to send someone else who was more qualified than he.
He claimed that he would not be able to explain Who the Lord was to the people, and had to be told sternly, “I AM Who I AM.” Moses had to learn that God alone was the only answer to every single question and the provider for all we need.
Believing in God and Our Overcoming Inadequacy
Exodus 4:10-13 New American Standard Bible 1995
10 Then Moses said to the Lord, “Please, Lord, I have never been [a]eloquent, neither [b]recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am [c] slow of speech and [d]slow of tongue.” 11 The Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say.” 13 But he said, “Please, Lord, now [e]send the message by whomever You will.”
Matthew 10:17-20 New American Standard Bible 1995
17 But beware of men, for they will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues; 18 and you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. 20 For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
In our life of faith, there are times when God calls us to tasks that can seem beyond our abilities.
Like Moses, we might think we lack the skills or eloquence to do what God has asked.
Severe doubts and insecurities can grip our hearts, causing us to question whether we can truly serve God’s purpose.
When God called Moses to go before Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses hesitated.
He felt that he could not communicate the message well.
He may even have had a speech impediment.
But God said, “Who gave human beings their mouths?”
In other words, God is the one who equips and empowers the ones he calls. So he assured Moses that he would be with him, guiding his words and actions.
Just as God did not overlook Moses’ concerns, he also sees our severest doubts and knows our all too real limitations.
But God chooses us, imperfect as we are, to accomplish his plans.
And it is in our moments of weakness that God’s strength shines through. He deeply delights in using us to accomplish extraordinary feats for his glory.
10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves. 12 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.
15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. (John 14:10-15)
When we feel inadequate, remember our sufficiency comes from God alone.
He provides all the necessary resources, wisdom, and strength to carry out his purposes. We can always trust that God will equip us with exactly what we need, when we need, require it and he will never leave us to face our challenges alone.
We show in the words we speak that our hearts are in tune with God.
Jesus tells his disciples to worry not because they “will be given what to say.” (Matthew 10:19)
Sharing Christ is not simply a matter of thinking up the right words to say; we must allow God’s words to flow through us.
The lessons Moses had to learn are as relevant today as the day he was ordered to remove his shoes from on the holy mount of God.
It is never easy when the Lord says GO, for we often want to stay.
Nor is it easy when He instructs us to STAND STILL and wait, for too often we think we want to go.
But when our fleshly self-will has finally been broken by our gracious God and we can then unreservedly whisper, “Thy will, not mine be done,” as did Christ in Gethsemane… then as we open our mouth we will pray and speak the words that He Himself chooses to give us, and we all will finally discover His grace IS sufficient for His strength is made perfect in our weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9
8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. 9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast [a]about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
British Theologian and Evangelist F.B. Meyer (1847-1929) summed up the attitude that each of us should have when God places a call on any of our lives,
“Cherish the lowliest thought you choose of yourself, but unite it with the loftiest conception of God’s All-Sufficiency. Self-depreciation may lead to the marring of a useful life. We must think soberly of ourselves, not too lowly… nor too extravagantly. The one talent must not be buried in the earth.”
John 16:32-33 New American Standard Bible 1995
32 Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33 These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,
Let us Pray,
Psalm 16 New American Standard Bible 1995
The Lord the Psalmist’s Portion in Life and Deliverer in Death.
A [a]Mikhtam of David.
16 Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in You.
2 [b]I said to the Lord, “You are [c]my Lord;
I have no good besides You.”
3 As for the [d]saints who are in the earth,
[e]They are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight.
4 The [f]sorrows of those who have [g]bartered for another god will be multiplied;
I shall not pour out their drink offerings of blood,
Nor will I take their names upon my lips.
5 The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
You support my lot.
6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.
7 I will bless the Lord who has counseled me;
Indeed, my [h]mind instructs me in the night.
8 I have set the Lord continually before me;
Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will dwell securely.
10 For You will not abandon my soul to [i]Sheol;
Nor will You [j]allow Your [k]Holy One to [l]undergo decay.
11 You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
Lord God, thank you for choosing us despite our weaknesses. Forgive our array of excuses, strengthen us to step out in faith to serve as you call us to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
Loving God, Living God, Loving Hope, Living Hope, Loving Living Life His Way! "Many things are possible for the person who has hope. Even more is possible for the person who has faith. And still more is possible for the person who knows how to love. But everything is possible for the person who practices all three virtues." - Brother Lawrence (1605-1691), Practicing the Presence of God (1692). 
In Jewish thought by stark and absolute total contrast, faith in God not some cult of personality personal or spiritual theological belief system; Torah faith deeply intertwined with ethical prophetic mussar, and social justice. The Torah obligations absolutely require the active pursuit of judicial common law justice through the Sanhedrin courtrooms. Principles of justice and fairness in all dealings, especially in legal matters define the Torah concept of faith.
The Torah mandates stong emphasis on the appointment of just judges, expected to act with integrity and impartiality. In Deuteronomy 16:18-20, the commandment to appoint judges and officers in all cities underscores the importance of justice: “You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.” This principle, echoed in the teachings of the sages, who stress that a corrupt judiciary undermines the very foundation of society and the time-oriented brit which forever and eternally creates the chosen Cohen people from nothing. Hezekiah’s actions seen as a common law precedent for Sanhedrin justices to pursue justice and righteousness, ensuring that their governance aligns with the values of the Torah through משנה תורה legislative review of all laws and decrees imposed by Government statute laws.
The presence of bribed judges and corrupt courtrooms leads to the Torah curse of societal decay and a loss of faith among the people; meaning Jews assimilate and embrace the culture and customs of foreign peoples. These aliens reject the revelation of the Torah at Sinai and Horev. When judicial common law justice collapses, it creates a disconnect between the community and HaShem; failure to do and keep tohor time oriented commandments perverts the chosen cohen nation unto just another Av tuma Goyim people. The “converted” non Cohen-people, abandoned or betrayed by leaders equally abandon their faith – the obligation to pursue judicial justice among and between Jews. The prophetic T’NaCH literature often addresses the consequences of injustice, warning that societal ills can lead to divine judgment – Torah curses – like as happened to Par’o in Egypt in the days of Moshe and Aaron. This serves as a reminder that faith most essentially defined, not as Av tumah avoda zara which demand that a Goy believe in this or that theological creed God, but rather Torah faith lives only through pursuit of judicial common law courtroom judgements that promote justice and equity among and between our conflicting peoples.
This mussar tradition, it emphasizes the cultivation of personal virtues, including integrity, honesty, and a commitment to justice among our people. Prophetic mussar encourages the active pursuit of judicial common law justice to resolve our damages disputes between our people in all generations and all times. These T’NaCH/aggadic and midrashic teachings, they most essentually stress that true loyalty to the Torah brit faith involves far more than personal religious piety, like as promoted by the Shulkan Aruch. But, far more essential, to pursue an active participation in creating a just society, where the rights of all individuals Jews honor and respect and uphold by validating the rulings of the Sanhedrin common law lateral courtrooms.
The connection between faith in HaShem and the pursuit of justice, the fundamental theme in Torah thought, which most essentially defines the Torah concept of faith. The example of King Hezekiah, as Moshiach revolves around the rebuke of the prophet Natan to the house of David following the death of the baal of Bat Sheva. The Torah curse of Civil War to plague all generations of the House of David, over his profaning the oath dedication of Moshiach in the matter of the killed husband of Bat Sheva. Loyalty to the Torah Constitution most essentially manifests itself in ethical mussar behavior which remembers the rebuke that the prophet Natan cursed the House of David, specifically in the realm of justice over the criminal death of the baal of Bat Sheva. The integrity of the judicial system, which failed to hold king David to stand trial. Later the Talmud would acquit king David of murder. However, this Talmudic opinion does not change the fact that David, and his son Shlomo failed to establish the authority of the Sanhedrin Federal court system as the definition of building the Temple on Zion.
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