MAKING EXCUSES.

When we visited Nashville, Tennessee, our friend, Professor of clinical studies at Vanderbilt University Hospital, invited me to speak to his sunday bible class.

‘How many attend your class, Andy?’ I asked.

‘Oh, about 30.’

Imagine my feelings when I walked into the room crammed with about 150 people, because Andy had kindly invited other leaders to join. Nervously I almost regretted my acceptance, except that I treasured the privilege of sharing the scriptures with these dear friends.

But I would have offered excuses if I had known that the audience included a Washington senator, a High Cout Judge, specialists from Vanderbilt University hos[ital, psychologists, leaders in education, etc.

Moses recoiled with shock when god called him to face Pharoah, sovereign of Egypt. He unleashed all his excuses. Probably Moses thought, being human and apprehensive, ‘why me<Lord?’ a reaction which often follows such a challenge.

Moses reckoned onhis Lack of fitness. ‘Poor weak me! I dare not face Pharoah,’ a frightening thought knowing the ruler’s ruthlessness. But god graciously over-ruled his excuses with the promise, ‘Certainly I will be with you.’

Unsatisfied, moses pleaded his Lack of Knowledge, as he anticipated the response of the children of Israel. ‘I do not know what to say, ‘he told his God, ’and if I do speak, they will not believe me. And then they will challenge me with the question, ’Who has sent you?’

God patiently encouraged His nervous servant. ’Tell them thatI AM has sent you.’ How often that reassuring I AM spells out the all-sufficient and powerful, mighty, ever-present God. The I AM’s of the New testament encourage us to study Jesus’ sayings, I AM the breead of Life: I AM the Light of the world; I AM the resurrection and the life.

And there was Moses listening to tne mst stupendous romise to enable him to face a hostile ruler and adoubting Israel. At least inNashville I taught a willing group knowing that the great I AM, through the power of the HolySpirit, conveyed a messae hrough this unworthy servant.

When God promised to resue the Israaelites from Egypt, Moses had the audacity tosay, The people will neither listen to or believe me’. Because Moses lacked authority God patiently reassured him to ’Take the rod and throw it to the ground.’ the rod became a serpent. ’take the sepent by the tail.’ It returned to a rod, which depicts authority. Later the psalmist affirmed, ’Your rod and your staff comfort me.’ The authority we have because we are in Christ, enables us to speak with confidence and power.

god tested Moses a second time. ‘Place your hand on your chest,’ and leprosy appeared. Ws Moses afraid, or did he appreciate the power of his God? When he removed his hand the leprosy disappeared. Surely this convicted the reluctant servant of god’s authority and power to resue Israel from slavery and bondage.

By using the snake and leprosy I believe God taught Moses that He is able to ovecome and deliver us from any evil attack of the enemy Satan.

We may ridicule Moses’uncertainty or his fear to step out in faith. We could sigh at his hesitation, but if we looked in Mses’ mirror we may see our own reflection.

Moses’ last resort was him pleading his lack of ability.’I a nt a good speake’ is a modern-day excuse, along with ‘I am too weak’, or ‘I do not have enough knowledge.’ In sch circumstances, Paul’s words shine through. That ‘Hisa strength isd made perfect in weakness.’ I felt like that before that class of academics as I realised that they neede God’s Word too.

God by-passed Moses’ excuses with a positive ‘I will be with your mouth,’ Fear of inability to explain the gospel in theological terms often restrains Christians from sharing their faith.

I once attended court as a witness on behald of a friend. I could not match the terminology of the judge or lawyers, I testified for my friend and told the truth simp[ly. The Judge accepted my witness, and freed the lady. When opportunity arises to witness for Jesus Christ speak your heart language with the Holy spirit’s power to clearly express your message. It s always amazing how the promise is fulfilled, ‘ I will bring all to your remembrance whatever you have learned, ‘

Despite the p;romises of His long-suffering God, how could Moses express his lack of faith by saying ‘Send someone else.’ No wonder the Lord became angry, and chose aaron to be the spokesman for Moses.

Well, Mosess eventually faced Pharoah, but I assure he often pondered his excuses, asd he viewed the ten frightening pagues before Pharoah reluctantly and fearfully dismissed the children of Israel from Egypt.

When we fear failure or allow excuses, we reckon on self, rather than God. But nothing is toohard for the Lord when we trust in his ability, His authority, His presence, His guidance, His power and His Word.

Happily, Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt by god’s mighty power and His strong hand.

God has not changed, and the resources available to Moses ae the inheritance of believers today.

Philippiams 4;13 ‘ I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.’