Connecting Scriptures: Matthew 17:14-21, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8, Proverbs 21:1

In this chapter we see the continuation of a conversation God was having with Moses from the previous chapters. A conversation where Moses expresses his frustration with how unsuccessful his conversation with Pharaoh was. A conversation where Pharaoh rejected God’s command and even made the slavery harder for the Hebrews. And Moses complains about himself “I am a man of unclean lips” which is basically saying, “I’m not good enough for this task.” 

I relate to this sentiment. I feel this way all the time. “God, I’m not good enough for the task before me.” 

Being in ministry, we are constantly faced with situations and relationships that feel ‘bigger’ than us. There are decisions that need to be made that seem like staring up at a mountain in our path.  Or sometimes we have to speak truth to someone who is in sin, someone we love very much, and it feels like an impossible conversation.  I never feel smart enough.  I never feel strong enough.  I never feel like I have the right words to say.  So often I wonder, “Will the things I say or do even have an impact? Is this a practice in futility?”.  Ultimately I feel like I’m not enough. 

And, I’m not. 

Just like Moses. God didn’t call Moses because he was the answer to what the people needed. 

God called Moses to represent Himself before Pharaoh. 

“And the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet. 2 You shall speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron shall tell Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go out of his land.” 

Moses was to represent the Lord to Pharaoh because God was enough. It was God’s words and God’s miracles that Moses was to bring before Pharaoh.  And Pharaoh’s response wasn’t up to Moses.  Pharaoh rejected God’s command. So God hardened his heart. 

Pharaoh disobeyed God, and mocked Him and His people openly. So he had to deal with God and God came with judgement.  Moses had only to come with God’s word. To represent God and to speak and act with the truth. Moses was called to be obedient. 

And he was. He stood before Pharaoh and spoke God’s Word and performed miracles.  The staff that turned to a serpent and gobbled up the magicians attempts to replicate. The water of the Nile turned to blood, that the magicians attempted to replicate as well.  Moses wasn’t in control of that. All he had was the message and the obedience. 

Again, I look in the mirror at my own failures and inadequacies and the mountains in my way and the king sized conversations that have ALL the potential of going horribly wrong.  Exodus 7 tells me to be faithful with the task God has given me.  Its saying the same to you! 

The people that I minister to don’t need me. They need God, and he is enough. But, he has tasked me with speaking on his behalf.  This isn’t a prideful thing. This isn’t a god-complex. He literally tells me that he has given me this task.

“Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations…” Matthew 28

“You will be my witnesses…” Acts 1:8

And God tells me to have faith with the rest. Trust him with the kings and mountains. 

“The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.”

Proverbs 21:1

“For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20

I feel inadequate. But I think that’s okay, because if I felt like I was enough, then I would be the thing I offered people, instead of God.  Perhaps you feel like “I’m not enough for the task God has given me”. Good. 

Let HIM be enough. 

Questions for Reflection:

1.  I think we have covered this questions before, but it is good to circle back around.  We, like the Israelites will prove to be, are a forgetful people.  Hard circumstances and busy schedules can cause us to forget that this life of faith isn’t up to us.  What situations has God brought you to, that you know are beyond you?  How can you look in faith to God, knowing He is in charge of the story?  How can you be used this week in the ways God is calling you to?

 

Contributing Author, David Morton.