But Moses replied, "Please, Lord, send someone else." But Moses repliedMoses, a central figure in the Old Testament, is speaking directly to God. This interaction occurs at the burning bush, a significant theophany where God reveals Himself to Moses. Moses' response is part of a larger dialogue where God commissions him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. This moment highlights Moses' humanity and reluctance, contrasting with his later role as a decisive leader. “Please, Lord send someone else.” Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesA Hebrew prophet chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. At this point in the account, Moses is hesitant and reluctant to accept God's call. 2. God (Yahweh) The God of Israel, who appears to Moses in the burning bush and commissions him to deliver the Israelites from Egypt. 3. Mount Horeb Also known as Mount Sinai, this is the location where Moses encounters God in the burning bush and receives his divine commission. 4. The Israelites The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are enslaved in Egypt and whom God intends to deliver through Moses. 5. Egypt The land where the Israelites are enslaved and from which God plans to deliver them through Moses. Teaching Points Reluctance in God's CallingMoses' hesitation is a common human response to divine calling. We often feel inadequate or unprepared for the tasks God sets before us. God's Patience and Provision Despite Moses' reluctance, God remains patient and provides Aaron as a spokesperson. This demonstrates God's understanding and provision for our weaknesses. Trust in God's Sovereignty Trusting in God's plan and sovereignty is crucial. Even when we feel inadequate, God equips those He calls. The Importance of Obedience Reluctance should not lead to disobedience. Moses eventually obeys, showing that obedience is key to fulfilling God's purposes. God's Use of Imperfect People God often chooses imperfect people to accomplish His perfect will, reminding us that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some reasons Moses might have been reluctant to accept God's call, and how can we relate to these reasons in our own lives?2. How does God's response to Moses' reluctance in Exodus 4:13 encourage us when we feel inadequate for a task God has given us? 3. Compare Moses' response to God's call with that of Isaiah in Isaiah 6:8. What can we learn from these different responses? 4. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 relate to God's calling of Moses, and what does this mean for us as modern-day believers? 5. In what ways can we overcome our reluctance to follow God's calling, and how can we support others who may be struggling with similar feelings? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 3:11-12Moses expresses his initial reluctance to God, questioning his own ability to lead the Israelites. This sets the stage for his continued hesitance in Exodus 4:13. Jeremiah 1:6-8 Similar to Moses, the prophet Jeremiah expresses doubt about his ability to fulfill God's calling, highlighting a common theme of human inadequacy met with divine assurance. Isaiah 6:8 In contrast to Moses' reluctance, Isaiah responds to God's call with willingness, saying, "Here am I. Send me!" This highlights different responses to God's call. Matthew 28:19-20 The Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, echoes the theme of being sent by God, as Moses was. People Aaron, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Jethro, Moses, Pharaoh, ZipporahPlaces Egypt, Horeb, Midian, Nile RiverTopics Ah, Anyone, Message, O, Oh, Please, Seems, Someone, Whomever, WiltDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 4:13 1230 God, the Lord 5102 Moses, life of Library January 13. "Thou Shalt be to Him Instead of God" (Ex. Iv. 16). "Thou shalt be to him instead of God" (Ex. iv. 16). Such was God's promise to Moses, and such the high character that Moses was to assume toward Aaron, his brother. May it not suggest a high and glorious place that each of us may occupy toward all whom we meet, instead of God? What a dignity and glory it would give our lives, could we uniformly realize this high calling! How it would lead us to act toward our fellow-men! God can always be depended upon. God is without variableness or shadow of turning. … Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth May the Eleventh but -- --! May the Twelfth Mouth and Matter A Bundle of Myrrh is My Well-Beloved unto Me; He Shall Abide Between My Breasts. Preaching (I. ). To the Saddest of the Sad The Sweet Uses of Adversity "For if Ye Live after the Flesh, Ye Shall Die; but if Ye through the Spirit do Mortify the Deeds of the Body, Ye Shall Live. The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture. The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6. Flight into Egypt and Slaughter of the Bethlehem Children. Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes A Canticle of Love Exodus Links Exodus 4:13 NIVExodus 4:13 NLT Exodus 4:13 ESV Exodus 4:13 NASB Exodus 4:13 KJV Exodus 4:13 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |