"THE RELUCTANT SERVANT"
Intro: Moses' life divided into 3 40-year periods. The story we consider today took place at the end of the second 40.
I. THE CALL OF GOD TO MOSES.
A. The burning bush.
B. The commission of God, "I will sent thee to Pharaoh."
II. THE OBJECTIONS OF MOSES.
A. No ability vs. 11.
1. Who am I?
2. We have a concept that God is conducting a talent search.
a. Natural ability can sometimes be the greatest hindrance to spiritual service.
b. God is looking for a willing instrument.
B. Message vs. 13.
1. "That shall I say unto them."
C. No authority 4:1.
1. "They will not believe me or hearken unto my voice.
a. Fear of rejection or failure, one of the hindrances of launching into service.
b. How Satan tries to discourage us with this specter of failure.
D. No Eloquence 4:10.
1. "O Lord I am not eloquent."
a. Certainly, the Lord only uses eloquent people.
b. Paul said to Corinthians, "I came not with the excellency of speech or man's wisdom."
E. No inclination 4:13.
1. He was not saying, "OK Lord, I will go."
2. Find someone else.
III. GOD'S ANSWERS TO MOSES' OBLIGATIONS.
A. No ability, "I will be with thee." vs. 12.
1. If I am sure I can do it myself, He is prone to let me try.
2. If I am conscious of my weakness yet willing to go in faith, He will be with me.
B. No message. God gave revelation of His name Jehovah.
1. I AM THAT I AM. "Who is, who was, who is to come."
C. No authority.
1. Rod. Omnipotent power
2. Leprous hand. Will be demonstrated.
3. Water of river.
D. No eloquence, "I will be with thy mouth."
E. No inclination, "The anger of the Lord kindled against Moses."
1. Send your brother with you.
2. Moses missed God's best, now must settle for second best.
IV. GOD HAS A PLACE OF MINISTRY FOR EACH OF US.
A. What is your excuse?
1. Too busy - no time.
a. Friend with mumps.
2. No talent.
3. No eloquence.
B. These were all excuses. Moses finally got to the reason - no desire.