Overview:
Standing barefoot and in awe, Moses received instructions from God on the role he would play in Israel’s deliverance from Egypt.
Pastor Chuck Swindoll brings listeners into Exodus 3 and 4 to stand next to Moses and grasp the gravity of his burning-bush call from God. While Moses’ objections seemed humble at first, they were rooted in fear—fear of his own inadequacy, of Pharaoh’s response, and even of the reaction of his own people.
Realize how our confidence in God is the key to following Him!
Message Summary:
In this seventh message of the series Moses: A Man of Selfless Dedication, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the dialogue of doubt between Moses and God at the burning bush. After forty years in the desert, Moses’ initial zeal had been replaced by a deep sense of inadequacy. This study of Exodus 3 and 4 examines the common human struggle with insecurity and how God’s sovereign “I AM” is the only sufficient answer to our “Who am I?”
Message Key Facts:
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The Objections: Moses presented four major excuses to God: lack of worthiness, lack of authority, lack of credibility, and lack of eloquence.
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The Divine Name: In response to Moses’ fear, God revealed His name: “I AM WHO I AM,” signifying His self-existence, eternal presence, and all-sufficiency.
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The Signs: To bolster Moses’ confidence, God provided three miraculous signs: the staff turning into a serpent, his hand becoming leprous and then healed, and the water of the Nile turning to blood.
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The Result: Despite Moses’ persistent hesitation, God remained committed to His chosen servant, eventually providing Aaron as a spokesman to assist him.
Message References:
Primary Scripture Reference: Exodus 3:11–4:17
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Exodus 3:11–12: Moses asks, “Who am I?” and God answers with the promise, “I will be with you.”
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Exodus 3:13–15: The revelation of the name Yahweh (the LORD) as the basis for Moses’ authority.
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Exodus 4:1–9: God demonstrates His power over the physical world through signs to prove He has appeared to Moses.
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Exodus 4:10–12: God reminds Moses that He is the Creator of the human mouth and will provide the words needed for the mission.
Lessons on Overcoming Insecurity
Pastor Chuck Swindoll identifies key principles for those feeling overwhelmed by God’s call:
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Shift the Focus from Self to God: Moses was focused on his own limitations; God was focused on His limitless power. Our confidence must be rooted in Who God is, not who we are.
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Understand the Root of Excuses: While Moses’ objections appeared humble, they were actually rooted in a lack of faith. False humility can often be a mask for fear.
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God Equips Those He Calls: God does not look for talented people; He looks for available people. He provides the strength, the words, and the partners necessary to fulfill His will.
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The Sufficiency of the Divine Presence: The answer to every “what if” is the promise that God is already there. His presence is the antidote to our paralyzing fear.
