1 Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” 4 When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” Exodus 3:1-4

10 So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”  Exodus 3:10



1. Next Man Up

Excuse: I'm not good enough

11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” Exodus 3:11

10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

2. Throw in the Towel

Excuse: I don't have all the answers

13 Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” Exodus 3:13

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

3. Don't Drop the Ball

Excuse: People won't believe me

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

10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.  Hebrews 13:21

4. Take the Bull by the Horns

Excuse: I'm a terrible public speaker

10 Moses said to the LORD, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” Exodus 4:10

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

5. The Ball is in Your Court

Excuse: I'm not qualified

13 But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”  Exodus 4:13

5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6a He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant 2 Corinthians 3:5-6a