Chapter 6: God Equips Moses for His Role
Exodus 4:1-17
Q1 - Consider Moses’s response to God’s calling. He used every excuse he could think of to get out of doing what God wanted him to do. At this point in his life, Moses did not have the faith to take even the first step, so God had to shove him. People who end up accomplishing great things for God are not necessarily larger-than-life characters with a burning desire to serve. Who else did God use in His service in the scriptures who fits this description?
A1 - Here are several that come to mind. You may have other examples.
Abram and Sarai both laughed at God when He told them they would have a child (see Genesis 17:15–17; 18:9–15).
Jonah tried to run away from God when He told him to go proclaim His message of repentance to the wicked city of Nineveh (see Jonah 1:1–3). Then he became angry when God showed compassion on the people and went outside the city and pouted (see Jonah 3:10–4:11).
When Haman persuaded King Xerxes to order the destruction of all the Jews, Queen Esther was hesitant to approach the king to try to save her people. Her cousin, Mordecai, had to implore her to act (see Esther 4:12–16).
Q2 - While he was out tending the flock, he probably didn’t carry much with him other than his staff. God used this common object, something that was right there in Moses’s hand, to equip him for service. What common things can we use today in God’s service?
A2 - A list of such things would be almost infinite in length. Maybe start with your own body, such as your mouth to tell others the Good News or to encourage someone. With your hands, you can prepare food for a sick friend, write a note or type a text, or help repair someone’s home. Your feet can carry you many places where you can serve. The list could continue with your car, your home, or your contacts at work. It will be interesting to hear what others in your group have to say.
Q3 - How can God use us even when we feel like that “fragile jar of clay” that Paul talks about in 2 Corinthians 4:7?
A3 - Here’s the scripture from 2 Corinthians 4:7, NLT: “We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.”
You may know of someone whose body was extremely fragile and yet managed to accomplish great things for the Lord. For example, children who were very ill who raised money to help others. Or perhaps you know of someone who, from their death bed, managed to utter words of wisdom, encouragement, and hope. Such people have allowed God’s light shine through them to others, even though their bodies were spent.