Moses’ Burning Questions
Bottom Line: When God calls, our weaknesses aren’t obstacles—they’re the stage for His strength because you’re not called to do it yourself you’re called to do it with God.
ScriptureExodus 3:1–4:17 – The Call of Moses and His Reluctance
1. Historical & Literary Context
Time & Setting – Israel is enslaved in Egypt, crying out for deliverance. Moses, once a prince of Egypt, has been in Midian for 40 years as a shepherd. He’s now about 80 years old, seemingly far from leadership or power.
Theophany – God appears in the burning bush (a common ancient Near Eastern symbol of divine presence, but here the bush is not consumed—symbolizing God’s sustaining, unending power).
God’s Self-Revelation – “I AM WHO I AM” (Ex. 3:14) reveals God as eternal, self-existent, and faithful to His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Moses’ Reluctance – Five objections in chapters 3–4 show his deep insecurity:
Who am I? (3:11) – Questioning his worth.
Who are You? (3:13) – Needing clarity on God’s identity.
What if they don’t believe me? (4:1) – Fearing rejection.
I am slow of speech (4:10) – Acknowledging personal weakness.
Please send someone else (4:13) – Wanting to avoid the call entirely.
2. Theological Insights
God’s Calling Is Rooted in His Character, Not Ours – God reassures Moses not by boosting his self-esteem but by promising His presence: “I will be with you” (3:12).
Weakness Becomes a Witness – God deliberately calls the weak so His power is made visible (cf. 1 Cor. 1:27–29).
God’s Mission Is Relational and Communal – Moses isn’t sent as a lone hero; Aaron is provided, and the elders of Israel are included. Modern church serves this same purpose. Even you have a purpose.
3. Modern Application (Anabaptist Emphasis)
Reluctance in Our Callings – We often shrink back from Jesus’ call to love our enemies, seek justice, live simply, and make disciples—especially when it costs us comfort or reputation.
God’s Presence Is Enough – Discipleship doesn’t depend on having the “right” personality, training, or resources.
Community Over Individual Heroism – In the Kingdom, calling is discerned and supported in the community of faith.
Living the Sermon on the Mount Requires Trust – God calls us to live in ways that feel impossible without His Spirit’s presence (nonviolence, forgiveness, radical hospitality).
4. Call to Action
Name your reluctance before God this week.
Listen for His assurance: “I will be with you.”
Step into at least one small act of obedience where you feel unqualified.
5. Table Questions
Head (Understanding)
What do Moses’ objections reveal about how we often view ourselves in light of God’s call?
How does God’s answer to Moses (“I will be with you”) reshape the way we should approach fear and inadequacy?
Heart (Character Formation)
3. Share a time when you felt God calling you into something that scared you. How did you respond?
4. Which of Moses’ five objections do you most identify with today, and why?
Hands (Practice & Mission)
5. What is one step of obedience you can take this week in response to a calling you’ve been resisting?
6. How can your small group or faith community walk with you so you are not stepping into this calling alone?
