Ex. 4:10-12; 1 Cor. 2:1-5, No Excuses (5)

The preceding studies on “The Purpose of Miracles” and “Are the Heathen Really Lost?” stem from Moses’ excuse that they wouldn’t listen to him anyway.  Before we move on to Moses’ last excuse let’s consider some personal application for us on this side of the cross.  Do we sometimes fail to speak for the Lord because of fear people will not listen?

·       It is normal to experience ridicule and rejection (Acts 17:32: Paul experienced it; 2 Chron. 30:1-11: Hezekiah’s messengers sent to call people to Passover experienced it; Mark 4:1-20, esp. v17: believers in Christ should expect it).

·       Obedience to the great commission is not based on the predictability of response (“tell them because they will probably listen”) but on God’s command to go.

o   Jeremiah was commanded to preach, even though he was also told that very few would listen (Jer. 1:17ff).

o   Ezekiel was told to announce like a watchman, know many would not pay attention (Ezek. 33:7-11).

o   Paul said the responsibility of the preacher is like a servant in a household: to be faithful and speak the message he has been given (1 Cor. 4:1-2).

·       The gospel’s purpose is served both in those who reject as well as in those who believe (1 Cor. 18:23-24; Phil. 1:27-29).

·       The servant of the Lord can take steps to gain a better hearing for the gospel.

o   He can pray (Acts 4:29; Col. 4:2-4).

o   He can be clear.

o   He can seek common ground (Stephen, a Greek Jew went to the Helenist Synagogue, Ac. 6; Paul on Mars Hill quoted Greek philosophers but not the Old Testament as he would do in a Jewish audience, Ac. 17; in both situations he clearly declared the gospel).

o   He can encourage people to hear (2 Cor. 5:20: we “beg” or “implore” you).

o   He can live it out.  Our changed life is the “miracle” that can help others to desire the same Savior.

That brings us to the last of Moses’ excuses.

Excuse #4: “I am not eloquent.” (Ex. 4:10-12)

Moses had been trained in Egypt, a training that would have included the art of public speaking.  Sometimes we are drawn to speakers with charisma, by which we mean eloquence and dynamics. But “eloquence” (abundant or superior words) and “wisdom” (i.e. man’s wisdom, 1 Cor. 2:5) are not the issue.  “Dynamics” is not the issue (Paul came to Corinth in “weakness,” “fear” and “much trembling”).  For Moses, it was not his eloquence but God’s presence that would make the difference.  God made Moses’ tongue and could enable him as necessary.  What would God do now with His reluctant servant?  More in our next post.