ODJ: who am i?

September 9, 2015 

READ: Exodus 3:7-15 

God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important (1 Corinthians 1:28).

Looking back, some of the most stretching moments in my life came when I was asked to do something new—something I had never done before. Perhaps you can relate to being asked to do something way out of your comfort zone!

God was preparing to free the Jews from slavery (Exodus 3:8). He gave Moses the job, but he said, “Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” (vv.10-11). Moses had lived in three cultures—raised as a Jew in his formative years (2:5-10), educated in the wisdom of the Egyptians until age 40 and lived among the Midianites for 40 years (Acts 7:22-23,29-30). Now at the ripe old age of 80, he was reminded of his Jewish roots (Exodus 3:6).

“Who am I?” Moses said, questioning his identity and ability (3:11,13, 4:1). “I’m not very good with words.” Then he said, “Send anyone else!”—withholding his availability (Exodus 4:13).

So was Moses trying to exit stage left and leave his assignment in the dust? Or was he genuinely expressing his humility and unworthiness?

Moses had failed once, and miserably too (Exodus 2:11-15). No longer the prince of Egypt but a wanted murderer and a poor shepherd, he possessed genuine self-doubt. Now way past his prime, he felt incapable of doing anything worthwhile for his people.

But God chose to use Moses and He was glorified as the reluctant leader stepped up to the challenge. Moses accomplished great things not because of his power or wisdom, but because God’s power was revealed in His weakness.

Has God given you an assignment that’s causing you to backpedal? Like Moses, you may need to prayerfully consider your identity, ability and availability. For in God’s eyes, you might be the perfect person for the job!

—K.T. Sim

365-day-plan: Matthew 25:1-30