EXCUSES

 Excuses  

by  

Pastor Mark Taylor

“And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?”  (Exodus 3:11).

When God appeared to Moses at the burning bush, He called him to the task of leading the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage.  In response, Moses gave excuses as to why he did not think he was the man for the job.  Today, I would like for us to look at those excuses and God’s response.  Then let us examine what the Lord is asking us to do and apply God’s answers to Moses to our calling.

Moses first excuse was “Who am I?” Though he was once a member of the ruling house of Egypt, he was now a lowly shepherd.  It had been 40 years since he had been in Egypt and now he was 80 years old.  He believed he was insufficient for the task God was asking him to do.  What about you and me?  What has he called you to do?  Maybe it is as simple as going living a Christian life and influencing others to come to the knowledge of the love of Christ.  You may feel that you are too old, too young, or simply not good enough.  It is true that without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and a real relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, we are all insufficient in strength and ability.   But God’s answer to Moses was: “And He said, Certainly I will be with you;” (Exodus 3:12).  God has also given us that promise.  "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (Matthew 28:19-20).  Reach out to others today with the message of the love of Christ and don’t make excuses of what you cannot do.  Instead, make this verse your life motto: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

 (Philippians 4:13 ).

Moses second excuse for not going was “What shall I say?” (Exodus 3:13).  We try to excuse ourselves by saying that our knowledge is inadequate.  God told Moses what he needed to say in response to others questions.  God has told us what to say.  “And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.” (1 John 3:23-24).  Talk about Jesus and His love.

A third excuse was “Then Moses answered and said, "But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, 'The LORD has not appeared to you.'" (Exodus 4:1).  The fear of failure often keeps people from trying to follow the Lord.  God gave Moses convincing proofs and He gives us the Word of God to produce faith in us.  “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”  (Romans 10:17).  Today we have the evidences concerning the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, and His promises to be with us when we proclaim His Words and His Love.  “"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6).

A fourth excuse Moses gave God:  “Then Moses said to the LORD, "O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue." (Exodus 4:10).  God already knows the inability and shortcomings of those He calls.  But our God is a God of miracles and He can give you what you need to get His job done.  “But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible." (Mark 10:27).

Moses’ real excuse:  "Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say." But he said, "O my Lord, please send by the hand of whomever else You may send." (Exodus 4:12-13).  He simply did not want to go.  It may be true with us that we would really rather that God would use someone else.  Send someone else to visit the sick.  Send someone else to invite people to church.

Someone else can pray.  Someone else can give their money and time.

With Moses we know that He did answer the call and was successful in delivering the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage.  What about us?  Will we heed the call to use our gifts and abilities for the service of the Lord?  Moses is with the Lord right now enjoying his salvation and rewards for making the right decision.  It is an honor to be called by God and to serve Him.  If you put aside your excuses you will hear Him say to you: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:21).