Moses, one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, is known for leading the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. However, his initial response to God's call was marked by reluctance and self-doubt. This episode is a profound illustration of human hesitance in the face of divine calling and the assurance provided by God to fulfill His purposes.

The Call of Moses

The account of Moses' reluctance is found in Exodus 3 and 4. While tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, Moses encounters the burning bush on Mount Horeb, where God reveals Himself and commissions Moses to deliver the Israelites from Egypt. God declares, "I have surely seen the affliction of My people in Egypt, and I have heard their cry... So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt" (Exodus 3:7, 10).

Moses' Objections

Despite the divine encounter, Moses expresses several objections:

1. Identity and Inadequacy: Moses questions his own worthiness and ability, asking, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" (Exodus 3:11). This reflects a deep sense of inadequacy and fear of failure.

2. Lack of Authority: Moses is concerned about his lack of authority and the Israelites' potential disbelief, asking, "What if they ask me, ‘What is His name?’ What should I tell them?" (Exodus 3:13).

3. Doubt in Persuasiveness: Moses doubts his eloquence, stating, "O Lord, I am not eloquent... I am slow of speech and tongue" (Exodus 4:10).

4. Request for Another: Ultimately, Moses pleads, "O Lord, please send someone else" (Exodus 4:13), revealing his deep reluctance to accept the mission.

God's Assurance

In response to Moses' hesitations, God provides several assurances:

1. Divine Presence: God promises His presence, saying, "I will surely be with you" (Exodus 3:12). This assurance underscores that the success of the mission depends not on Moses' abilities but on God's power and presence.

2. Revelation of His Name: God reveals His name, "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14), signifying His eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to fulfill His promises.

3. Signs and Wonders: To address Moses' concern about credibility, God provides miraculous signs, such as turning Moses' staff into a serpent and making his hand leprous and then healed (Exodus 4:2-7).

4. Provision of a Spokesman: God appoints Aaron, Moses' brother, to be his spokesman, saying, "He will speak to the people for you" (Exodus 4:16). This provision alleviates Moses' concern about his speaking ability.

5. Divine Empowerment: God reassures Moses of His control over human faculties, stating, "Who gave man his mouth? ... Is it not I, the LORD? Now go! I will help you as you speak and I will teach you what to say" (Exodus 4:11-12).

Significance

Moses' reluctance and God's assurance highlight the theme of divine empowerment in the face of human weakness. This narrative demonstrates that God equips those He calls, providing the necessary resources and support to accomplish His purposes. Moses' eventual acceptance of God's call leads to the liberation of the Israelites, showcasing the transformative power of divine assurance and obedience.