A DIVINE APPOINTMENT
J.S. Taylor
Today's Scripture: “But Moses argued with the Lord, saying, ‘I can’t do it! I’m such a clumsy speaker! Why should Pharaoh listen to me?’” Exodus 6:30, NLT
Theme: Tell me lies like: “God can’t use me because I am unqualified by my lack of talent.”
AT A LOSS FOR WORDS
I have never enjoyed public speaking. At times, in fact, it has quite literally terrified me. And that’s not hyperbole. I’m an introvert and an INFJ/P on Myers Briggs. I don’t like crowds, much less having to address them – often to my detriment personally and professionally. I’m content to be a face in the crowd, not the center of attention. Oh, I certainly want kudos and accolades, but I don’t want the spotlight that goes with it.
Despite communications classes in school, presentation instruction at seminars, attending Toastmasters, being comfortable and effective in speaking in public settings has continued to plague me throughout my life. I’ve come to know firsthand that social anxiety is a very real problem. I can only speculate, but I wonder if Moses must have struggled similarly and felt the same.
DEFECTIVE CHARACTERS
“God doesn’t call the qualified; he qualifies the called.” – Mark Batterson
I’ve often felt unworthy of being used by God and certainly don’t consider myself a leader. Given the course of things in my life, I’m not one who feels that I should be held up as a model of Christian virtue or as some sort of moral beacon. But, as Scripture and church history has shown, God continually uses unlikely people for His purposes. Christ sought out a group of misfits for His disciples – not scholarly, educated men who would be seen as “qualified” to be leaders in the Kingdom of God. But this ragtag group led a movement that has changed the world and ushered in the Way of Jesus.
COMMENCEMENT
My youngest daughter graduates from high school in a few days. I’ve always held a special fondness for the season of Commencement. It’s a time of transition and emotion; thoughtful reflection and crowning achievement; hopeful joy and wistful sadness; tearful farewells and a future of promise. Very few occasions in life meld together past, present, and future into a singular event to be recognized and celebrated. And each year, there are a parade of college and university commencement addresses by notable people: politicians, celebrities, or diplomats whose well-meaning messages often seemingly provide variations on many of the same platitudes and somewhat shallow themes.
In Deuteronomy, Moses gave what was essentially his commencement speech. It’s an eloquent, poignant address reminding the Israelites of what God has done for them, the importance of the moment, and God’s plan for them. They had graduated and would inherit the Promised Land as part of God’s covenant. And Moses, the man who argued with God that he couldn’t possibly be of useful service because he was a “clumsy speaker” who would never be listened to, had been chosen by God as the one to lead them through it all. Despite his perceived weakness, I believe Moses here gives one of the greatest speeches ever recorded.
Making It Personal: Despite my flaws, I find that my usefulness to God is directly proportional to the level of my surrender to Him. When I am able to summon the humility and bow down as His servant, the seemingly impossible becomes possible. When I am at a loss for words, He speaks through me; when I am vexed by a seemingly insurmountable problem, He provides a solution; when I am frustrated by a lack of progress, He moves the needle. It is through my acknowledgement of weakness that He shows His omnipotent presence and wields His powerful sword. Sometimes, I just need to be still and quiet, and listen for His voice.
“I’m finding myself with a loss of words,
and the funny thing is it’s okay.
The last thing I need is to be heard
but to hear what you would say.
Word of God speak,
Would you pour down like rain?
Washing my eyes to see Your majesty
To be still and know
That you’re in this place.
Please let me stay and rest in Your holiness
Word of God speak.”
(Word of God Speak, Written by: Bart Millard, Pete Kipley)
Pray: Father, we come before You with praise and thanksgiving for Your grace, mercy, and peace. We are grateful that You use us—regardless of ability or malady—for Your purposes and glory. Please grant us the courage to surrender to Your will, so that Your words can be heard through us, and we can be of maximum service for Your kingdom. In His name, Amen.
Read: Deuteronomy 8:1-18; Romans 8:28; 1 Peter 2:9
Weekly Memory Verse: “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8, ESV