(Moses’ 5 objections to God’s Lordship)

This past week I taught Bible studies to the students and the college and career class about the Lordship of Christ in our lives. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while now, and it’s something that I think a lot of people struggle with.

In the college and career class we studied Exodus 3:7 – 4:17. This passage starts with Moses finding the burning bush and continues with a conversation between God and Moses. During this conversation Moses comes up with five objections against what God is asking him to do and God answers each of his objections. The underlying theme of this conversation however is not Moses’ objection to being used by God; it is his objection to God’s Lordship in his life. This conversation is a fight for control, who will be in control of Moses life? Who is in control of your life? Here are the five objections: (paraphrased by Adam J. Walker)

1. Moses’ Objection: “I’m a nobody.” (3:11)
   God’s Response: “I will be with you.” (3:12).
   Commentary: Sometimes we may feel like we are a nobody, but even someone seemingly insignificant is made very significant when God is with him.
2. Moses’ Objection: “What if they ask, ‘What is God’s name?’” – (This question can be understood as him asking, how do you know that you are serving the real God?) (3:13)
   God’s Response: God has many wonderful names, but here He focuses on His message that He is the only true and living God (3:14-5)
   Commentary: This is a big issue in our current culture. There is a philosophy among the world today and even in some of our churches called Secular Humanism. This philosophy teaches that every religion focuses on the same God and ends in the same result, and whatever works for you is what you should do. It teaches that there is no absolute truth, only what works for us at the moment. This is a dangerous lie that we are being fed. We must remember that we serve one God, and that He is the only true God. There is no other way to Heaven but by His son that died on our cross for us!
3. Moses’ Objection: What if they don’t believe me? (4:1)
   God’s Response: God gave him three signs to show to them to convince them. The staff turns into a snake. Moses hand became leprous and then normal again, and he could pour the water from the Nile on the ground and it would turn to blood. (4:3-9)
   Commentary: This is often our objection to witnessing, “what if they don’t believe me.” God gives us signs to turn people’s hearts the same way that He gave them to Moses. Some signs that we have are a changed life through Christ, help from God to endure trials, and answered prayers. I encourage you to use these signs to show others what God has done in you!
4. Moses’ Objection: I’m not a people person; I’m not a good speaker. (4:10)
   God’s Response: I will give you the words to say. (4:11)
   Commentary: When we don’t know what to do or say in a situation, God is there to help us if we will just listen to His leading. It’s not the speaker, or the words that matter, it’s the power behind the speaker and the words.
5. Moses’ Objection: Please send someone else. (4:13)
   God’s Response: Aaron will speak for you and help you.(4:14-16)
   Commentary: God was stern and made Moses do it, but God did equip him with the right tools to get the job done. God never calls you to do something without providing the means by which you will do it.

I encourage each of you to examine your lives and hearts. Ask yourself who is in control. If you aren’t 100% sure that it’s Jesus, I encourage you to submit your will to His and let Him lead. When you do, great things can happen, they did for Moses!