Lesson 2: The Burning Bush
2.4 Four Excuses
Four Excuses – and God’s Patient Calling
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Introduction
When God calls, we often expect enthusiasm, vision, and a clear plan. But in reality, the opposite is often true: fear, doubt, and excuses. Even great heroes of faith, like Moses, stood at that exact crossroads.
Exodus chapter 4 doesn’t show us the triumphant leader of Israel—it presents a hesitant, cautious, almost resistant man who meets God’s call with four excuses and finally says, “Please send someone else.”
Yet this very chapter offers comfort to all who hesitate. It shows how God responds to our doubts with patience, clarity, and concrete help. At the same time, it warns: Delayed obedience is often hidden disobedience.
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Bible Study: Exodus 4:1–17 – The Call and Moses’ Excuses
Verse 1 – The Third Excuse: “What if they do not believe me?”
After already hesitating in chapter 3 (“Who am I?” / “Who are You?”), Moses now asks another question—one that sounds very human:
“They won’t believe me.”
What appears to be a concern about credibility is, in truth, a defensive excuse. Moses knows his past in Egypt is not honorable (see Ex. 2:14). He assumes no one will take him seriously. But God does not respond with rebuke—He gives Moses signs, visible proofs of divine authority.
Verses 2–9 – God’s Three Signs
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The Staff Turns into a Snake (vv. 2–4):
The shepherd’s staff—symbol of authority—becomes a serpent, a terrifying creature. God tells Moses to grab it by the tail (!), which would normally be dangerous.
Obeying God’s command overcomes fear. -
The Leprous Hand (vv. 6–7):
Moses places his hand into his cloak—it becomes diseased, then healed. God has power over disease and healing. -
Water into Blood (vv. 8–9):
Nile water becomes blood—a sign of judgment, later seen in the plagues. Lack of faith has consequences.
These signs are not random. They reveal God’s power over nature, illness, and human authority, and they’re meant to strengthen Moses’ courage to obey.
Verses 10–12 – The Fourth Excuse: “I’m not a good speaker.”
Moses now speaks of his weakness:
“I am slow of speech and tongue.”
This may refer to an actual speech issue—or simply low self-confidence. God responds with a rhetorical question:
“Who gave human beings their mouths?”
He points to His creative authority—He knows Moses and still chooses him.
Verses 13–17 – “Please send someone else.”
Moses now drops the questions. He directly resists God’s call:
“O Lord, please send someone else.”
At this point, “the Lord’s anger burned.” Yet even then, God doesn’t abandon Moses—He offers help:
“Aaron your brother can speak. I will be with your mouth and with his.”
It’s a compromise—but also a limitation. Later, Aaron will be the one to build the golden calf. Whether Aaron was part of God’s original plan is unclear—but God can still work through imperfect paths to fulfill His purpose.
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Answers to the Questions
Question 1: What signs did God give Moses to confirm his calling?
God gave Moses three signs:
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Staff to snake – God’s authority over danger.
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Leprous hand healed – Symbol of cleansing and restoration.
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Water to blood – A sign of judgment and divine seriousness.
These signs had a double purpose:
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To strengthen Moses’ own trust.
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To prove to the people that God was speaking through him.
God didn’t reject Moses’ doubts—He gave proof. But the signs alone didn’t produce obedience. That would require surrender.
Question 2: What did God say in response to Moses’ final excuse, and what do we learn from it?
God answers firmly:
“I will be with your mouth and teach you what to say.”
Later: “Aaron will speak for you.”
But even God’s patience has limits. His anger burns—not because Moses is weak, but because he refuses to trust. God seeks availability, not perfection.
Lessons for us:
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God doesn’t call us because we’re ready—He calls to make us ready.
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Excuses block blessing—or lead to detours.
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God provides help—but we must choose obedience.
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Spiritual Principles
God calls us despite our weaknesses—not because of our strengths. Excuses protect us temporarily—but hinder God’s work through us. God’s patience is great—but not infinite. Obedience is the beginning of miracles.
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Application for Daily Life
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Afraid to pray out loud? God will guide your mouth.
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Feel unworthy to talk about Jesus? He called you, not you yourself.
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Waiting to “feel ready”? Moses wasn’t ready either—but he went.
What is your staff—the symbol of what you have? Are you willing to surrender it, even if God uses it in surprising ways?
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Conclusion
God doesn’t ignore our excuses—but He doesn’t let them stop His calling either. Moses was given signs, help, and Aaron. But the turning point came only when Moses yielded and went.
God’s call doesn’t wait forever. He calls today.
The question is: What will you do with your “Here I am”?
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Thought of the Day
God doesn’t call you because you’re capable.
He calls you because He wants to do something greater through you.
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Illustration – The Calling
Chapter 1 – The Invitation
It was a rainy Tuesday evening when Jonas first read the email. Subject: “Mentoring Program – Your Contribution Matters.”
The sender was Pastor Ralf, an old acquaintance who had once led his confirmation class. Jonas had ignored the message for three days—but now he opened it:
“Dear Jonas,
I’ve had you on my heart in prayer. We’re looking for someone to guide young men in our mentoring program. It’s not about giving speeches—but about being present, honest, and available. I believe God has prepared you. Please let me know by Friday.
Warmly, Ralf.”
Jonas leaned back and shut the laptop, as if the device had said something offensive.
Chapter 2 – The Memories
Jonas was 34. An interior designer. Detail-focused, calm, introverted. People liked him—from a distance. He was dependable, but never loud.
He remembered his last attempt at spiritual leadership. At 23, he’d tried giving a devotional in his old church youth group. He’d stammered. Lost his place. The room had gone silent—not reverent, just awkward. He never tried again.
“I’m not someone who stands at the front.”
He’d repeated that to himself for years.
Chapter 3 – The Excuses
On Wednesday, he wrote a reply. Deleted it. Wrote again. Deleted it again.
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“I’m working on a big project right now.” – True, but not unmanageable.
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“I’m not a public speaker.” – Probably accurate. But was that really the point?
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“I can’t relate to troubled teens. I’m not a counselor.” – Another shield.
That night, Jonas dreamed. He saw a boy, maybe 16, sitting in a dark hallway with his head down.
Then a voice said:
“He’s waiting for someone who listens. And you’re sitting in front of the TV.”
He woke up drenched in sweat.
Chapter 4 – God’s Response
On Thursday, Jonas opened his Bible—randomly.
He landed on Exodus 4. The words struck him:
“I am slow of speech and tongue.”
“Who made man’s mouth?”
“I will be with your mouth.”
His throat tightened. This is no coincidence, he thought.
And then he read the line that changed everything:
“Lord, please send someone else.”
Not out of rebellion—but because he saw himself too clearly.
He saw himself in Moses—and it frightened him.
Chapter 5 – The Step
On Friday, he replied:
“Ralf, I’m scared. But I think I’m supposed to say yes. So I’m saying yes.”
Two weeks later, Jonas sat in the church youth room. Four boys, aged 14–17, slouched on old couches. One scrolled his phone. One yawned.
Jonas had prepared a short message: “God sees you.”
He spoke quietly. No pressure. No show. No applause. Just silence.
Then one boy came up after:
“Will you be here next week?”
Jonas nodded.
“Cool. I didn’t know God saw me.”
Chapter 6 – The Change
What followed wasn’t a revival. No stage lights. No big conversions.
But every Tuesday, Jonas showed up. The group grew. Not quickly—but honestly.
One boy shared his dad never looked him in the eye.
Another said he prayed, even though he didn’t go to church.
And Jonas?
He learned to listen. To speak gently. To be real.
He didn’t become a preacher—but he became a servant of God, just as God had wanted.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-2-the-burning-bush-2-4-four-excuses-exodus-living-faith/
