“‘Now therefore, go, and I (God) will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.’ But he (Moses) said, ‘O my Lord, please send by the hand of whoever else You may send.’ So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses…” Exodus 4:12-14b

Missed Opportunities

While growing up, I knew just how long I could wait before I obeyed my parents, how long I could stall doing chores, and how long I had before the absolute last acceptable moment for responding to their call. I heard what they said. I knew what they wanted. But sometimes I felt like sneaking in just before the moment when I could expect punishment. I’d plaster innocence all over my face and saunter in as if I hadn’t heard them. This was pure naughtiness on my part. But I knew exactly where the breaking point was. If I waited too long, my father would make a move toward the spanker and I knew I was in for it. He was mad. (On the other hand, if I knew they were calling me over to give me a treat, I’d have gone running to them.)

This tendency to hide from things we don’t want to do carries into our adult lives, and this was Moses’ problem in our passage today. He made excuse after excuse to God as to why he should not have to do what God was asking. God patiently answered every excuse with a good reason. Back and forth they went with Moses questioning God’s call, and God answering back how He would take care of everything. Moses should have had no worries—God had his back.

But Moses, probably full of fear at what he was being asked to speak to the people, would not quit arguing. And finally God’s anger was kindled. Now, God’s anger is not the same as man’s anger. He is not prone to pouting when He doesn’t get His way. He is slow to anger (Psalm 145:8). With occasional exceptions, His vengeance waits for Judgment Day.

What God did in this case was to change the chain of communication. God wanted Moses to speak to the people, but Moses begged God to choose someone else, so God chose Aaron. Moses missed a big opportunity to be used by God in the ways God intended. The people would still hear the messages of God—God took responsibility to be sure it would still happen—but Moses missed the blessing of doing it. He missed his destiny. He ended up with less than God wanted to give. When God “flashed His anger”* to get Moses’ attention and “provoke him to obedience”*, God was showing how much He loved Moses and that He didn’t want him to miss his opportunity.

Has God spurred you to action by some means we consider unpleasant? Embrace His correction, and grow. He is loving on you.

“Our great God, forgive us for obstinately missing Your best. Teach us Your ways. Amen.”

*Spirit-Filled Life Bible