What If They Don't Believe Me?

Primary Text for the next two weeks: Exodus 3:1 – 12:32

Today, we explore the third excuse of Moses. It is perhaps important to remember that Moses is still in the preparation stage. Before he is to speak with Pharaoh, he must first convince the elders of Israel, and his third excuse is in direct relation to telling the leaders about God’s plan to leave Egypt. We open with God’s command:

Exodus 3:16 (NIV) “Go, assemble the elders of Israel and say to them...”

Exodus 4:1 (NIV) Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The LORD did not appear to you’?”

It is at this point that God gives Moses three specific signs for Moses to convince the leaders. The first sign is a staff which turns to a serpent (4:2-5), the next sign is a leprous hand (4:6-8), and finally water turned to blood (4:9). Many scholars have attached symbolism to each of these signs, but my understanding is still at the rudimentary stage... I simply see a man with fears and doubts holding him back; but a Holy Omnipotent God who conquers fears and provides courage.

Perhaps this is the simple lesson for us today. We are commanded to be witness of our faith to those with whom we have contact – in our homes, our neighborhood, our places of work. When we falter or hesitate to speak a good word about the hope we have within us... our God is Omnipotent... He can conquer our fears and give us the courage and strength – the ability – to share our faith with others. As the LORD reminded Gideon:

Judges 6:14, 16a (NIV) The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have... Am I not sending you?” ... “I will be with you...”

Heavenly Father, our Lord God;

All too often we remain silent when a word of encouragement is needed. All too often we withdraw instead of sharing our faith. All too often we ask, What if they don’t believe me? We ask your forgiveness. Through the examples of Moses and Gideon we see your Holy Omnipotence and realize you conquer our fears and you provide the courage and strength we need each day. For this we offer you our humble gratitude. Create a willing heart within us to be your witnesses.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

The devotional What If They Don’t Believe Me? appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com 

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.