Push and Pull

Throughout the Scriptures, God calls ordinary people to take part in his redemptive work. In Exodus 3 and 4, Moses encounters the great I AM at the burning bush and is sent to Israel’s elders and to Pharaoh. Yet, significantly, Moses does not respond with immediate obedience. Rather, he pushes back: Who am I? What if they do not believe me? I am slow of speech. Please, send someone else.

It would be easy to read this as a story about Moses’ weakness. But, how does God respond to Moses’ resistance? He does not change Moses or hand him new abilities. Instead, he answers each objection with the promise of his own presence: “I will be with you.” “I will help you speak.” Even when Moses’ reluctance stirs God’s anger, God remains patient and provides what Moses needs.

This Sunday, we’ll explore the push and pull of God’s call in Exodus 3:16-4:18. We’ll consider who the true main character of the story is, and we’ll ponder how Jesus, the greater Moses, answers the call of the Father in perfect faithfulness. We’ll also reflect on what it means for us, as a family of faith, to be called by God and sent into his service. My hope and prayer is that we’ll be strengthened and encouraged by the reality that when God calls, God equips.

Dinner Table Conversations: 

Adult & Teen Table Talk: 

• ​Moses offers five objections before God finishes answering him (3:11, 3:13, 4:1, 4:10, 4:13). Which of them sounds most like the excuses you’ve made when you sensed God asking something of you? What do you notice about the way God responds to it?
• Moses says “Please send someone else,” while Jesus says “Not my will, but yours” (Luke 22:42). What does it mean for you that your calling rests on Jesus’ faithfulness and not your own? How might that shape the way you step into the service God has called you to?

–Caleb McCaughan

Little Learners’ Table Talk: 

• When God asked Moses to help his people, Moses was nervous and said, “I can’t talk very well.” What did God say to help Moses feel brave?

Sermon Title: Push and Pull

Sermon Series: God With Us: Exodus

Sermon Passage: Exodus 4:10-12

Closing Scripture: Psalm 106:1-3