The elderly piano teacher scolded her student for not practicing. She said she had heard every excuse in the book for not practicing - including, "had to go fight in World War II". Well, maybe some excuses are legitimate.
The classic excuse-maker was Moses. Called of God to free the Israelites from Egyptian captivity, he apparently found the task a bit too daunting and quickly found excuses for not accepting the call:
"What if they will not believe me or listen to what I say?" ... "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue." (Exodus 4:1,10)
Ultimately, Moses admitted his complete reluctance to accept the challenge:
"Please, Lord, now send the message by whomever You will." (Exodus 4:13)
Moses was slow to learn that the call of God involves the supply of God. When God calls He also equips. In Moses' case, he provided power for signs and wonders and his brother Aaron as a spokesman. God specifically promised him "I, even I, will be with your mouth and his mouth, and I will teach you what you are to do." (Exodus 4:15)
The lessons for us are obvious: we are called to serve, not according to our own limited resources and abilities, but according to the overwhelming provision of the Lord who calls us. That's especially good to keep in mind when we consider the daunting task of the Great Commission to "make disciples of all the nations" (Matthew 28:19). This huge task, given by our Lord Jesus, comes with the promise that "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).
Like Moses, we may question the call and find excuses for our limited abilities, but the Lord's call always comes with His presence and provision.
May we each find joy in accepting the call and serving according to the provision.
Steve
The classic excuse-maker was Moses. Called of God to free the Israelites from Egyptian captivity, he apparently found the task a bit too daunting and quickly found excuses for not accepting the call:
"What if they will not believe me or listen to what I say?" ... "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue." (Exodus 4:1,10)
Ultimately, Moses admitted his complete reluctance to accept the challenge:
"Please, Lord, now send the message by whomever You will." (Exodus 4:13)
Moses was slow to learn that the call of God involves the supply of God. When God calls He also equips. In Moses' case, he provided power for signs and wonders and his brother Aaron as a spokesman. God specifically promised him "I, even I, will be with your mouth and his mouth, and I will teach you what you are to do." (Exodus 4:15)
The lessons for us are obvious: we are called to serve, not according to our own limited resources and abilities, but according to the overwhelming provision of the Lord who calls us. That's especially good to keep in mind when we consider the daunting task of the Great Commission to "make disciples of all the nations" (Matthew 28:19). This huge task, given by our Lord Jesus, comes with the promise that "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).
Like Moses, we may question the call and find excuses for our limited abilities, but the Lord's call always comes with His presence and provision.
May we each find joy in accepting the call and serving according to the provision.
Steve
posted by steve @ 11:57 AM
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