Lesson 3: Rough Start
3.5 Like God to Pharaoh
God equips those He calls – even in spite of excuses
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1.
Introduction
The story of Moses in Exodus 6:28–7:7 is deeply human and at the same time divinely inspired. It shows us a man called by God who wrestles with his own weaknesses, his fear of failure, and his uncertainty about whether he is truly up to the task. Moses, the great leader of Israel, was not always bold. On the contrary – he was a man full of doubts. But God didn’t respond with anger, but with grace, patience, and clear guidance.
This story challenges us to ask: Where do we avoid what God is asking of us? What excuses do we use to ignore His voice?
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2.
Bible Study on Exodus 6:28–7:7
Theme: Called Despite Weakness – When God Speaks, Excuses Don’t Count
Context and Background
This passage marks the beginning of the great liberation drama in Exodus. Israel is in bondage under Pharaoh. Moses has been called as the liberator but is filled with doubt and resistance. Even though his calling was already addressed in chapters 3 and 4, Moses continues to resist.
Verses 6:28–30 repeat what has already been said: Moses points to his “uncircumcised lips” – a Hebrew expression symbolizing inadequacy or impurity. This repetition underlines his continued insecurity.
Verse-by-Verse Explanation
Verses 6:28–30
These verses reiterate Moses’ protest: “I have uncircumcised lips.” He implies: If even Israel doesn’t listen, why would Pharaoh?
Exodus 7:1
God replies with authority: “I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet.” This highlights the structure of divine communication:
→ God → Moses → Aaron → Pharaoh.
This defines biblical prophecy: speaking God’s message, not one’s own.
Verses 2–3
God commands Moses to speak and Aaron to deliver the message. Then comes the theological tension: God will harden Pharaoh’s heart. This appears frequently in Exodus – God hardens it, and Pharaoh also hardens it himself. Both divine sovereignty and human responsibility are at play.
Verses 4–5
God’s goal is not just liberation but revelation: “Then the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD.” The ten plagues will not only be judgments but signs revealing God’s supremacy over Egypt’s false gods.
Verses 6–7
Despite all doubts, Moses and Aaron obey. Their age (Moses 80, Aaron 83) reminds us: There is no expiration date on God’s calling.
Theological Insights
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God calls despite weaknesses. Our flaws are not disqualifiers but often the space where God’s power is displayed.
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God works through teamwork. Moses had Aaron. God rarely sends us out alone.
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God desires obedience, not perfection. Faith is revealed in obedience, even when afraid.
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Resistance is part of the journey. Pharaoh’s stubbornness was expected. Even opposition can serve God’s greater purpose.
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God’s aim is His glory. Even in judgment, His name is made known.
Read also 2 Corinthians 4:7: “We have this treasure in jars of clay…” – a New Testament mirror to Moses’ calling.
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3. Answers to the Questions
Question 1: How does God respond to Moses’ objection?
God responds with patience and help. Instead of rebuking Moses for saying, “I have uncircumcised lips,” He reaffirms the mission and appoints Aaron to assist. God works with our weaknesses – not to ignore them, but to transform them. By making Moses “like God” to Pharaoh and Aaron his prophet, God institutes a prophetic model of representation and communication.
He also warns that Pharaoh won’t immediately listen – the journey will be hard, but it will glorify God and reveal His power to Egypt.
Summary:
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God does not rebuke but supports.
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He works through community (Aaron).
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He uses even resistance for His glory.
Question 2: What excuses do we use today to avoid God’s calling?
Moses’ excuses are strikingly familiar:
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“I’m not good enough.”
God responds: “My power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor 12:9) -
“They won’t listen.”
God responds: “My word will not return empty.” (Isa 55:11) -
“I’m too busy.”
God responds: “Seek first the kingdom of God…” (Matt 6:33) -
“Let someone else do it.”
God responds: “Go – I am sending you.” (Judges 6:14) -
“I’m too hurt or broken.”
God responds: “A broken heart I will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17)
Conclusion:
Like Moses, we may run out of excuses – but never out of God’s patience.
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4. Spiritual Principles
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God calls us with our weaknesses – to display His strength.
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God calls us into community – never alone.
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Obedience is what God desires – not perfection.
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Resistance is expected – but God remains sovereign.
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God seeks glory – even through our doubts and trials.
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5.
Practical Application
Are you avoiding something God is asking of you?
Maybe it’s sharing your faith, serving in church, or starting something new.
Like Moses, you don’t have to be ready – you just have to be willing.
Who is your “Aaron”? Who can encourage and support you?
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6.
Conclusion
Moses’ story shows us: God uses those who doubt and struggle – as long as they are willing to obey.
Our calling today is no less important.
God seeks willing hearts – not perfect vessels.
His strength is revealed in our weakness.
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7.
Thought of the Day
God doesn’t need perfect tools – He needs willing hearts.
Your weakness is not the problem. It’s where His grace shines.
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8. Illustration – “The Call on the Platform”
Chapter 1 – Restlessness in the Morning
The morning sun was already shining through the glass roof of Chengdu’s train station as Wei, a quiet and reserved math teacher in his mid-thirties, waited for his train like every day. In his hand, a steaming cup of green tea. It was a normal day. And yet, it wasn’t.
For weeks, he had felt a pull in his heart – a stirring he couldn’t shake. Again and again, the thought came:
“Speak to Jian.”
He had ignored it. Reasoned it away. Pushed it aside.
But the thought returned – stronger than before. And worse: A dream had been haunting him.
In it, he stood alone on a vast steppe, and a voice said:
“You shall speak to Jian. I want to send him.”
Chapter 2 – The Excuses
Wei had many arguments against this mission.
He lived in a country where Christian faith wasn’t forbidden, but was practiced very cautiously. He didn’t want to draw attention – and certainly not risk losing his job.
He told himself:
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“I’m not the right person.”
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“I’m not brave.”
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“I’m not eloquent.”
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“Jian doesn’t need me – he’s younger, stronger, bolder.”
But like Moses in Exodus 6, his excuses eventually ran out.
The thought wouldn’t leave.
And every time he told God, “I can’t,” the answer seemed to whisper, “I am with you.”
Chapter 3 – The Decision on Platform 3
One Thursday morning, Wei stood on Platform 3, as usual.
As the train pulled in, he stepped forward almost mechanically.
Then, at the far end of the platform – Jian.
Wei froze.
The moment had come.
The doors beeped.
People pressed in.
Wei stood on the threshold – between his safe, familiar life and a step of obedience.
He stepped back.
The train left – without him.
With a trembling heart, he walked over to Jian.
“Good morning,” he said softly.
“I… I know this sounds strange. But I believe I’m supposed to tell you something.”
Chapter 4 – Words at the Right Time
Wei struggled for words, but they came:
“I believe God wants you to do something. To take a step. And He wants me to tell you: You are ready.”
Jian fell silent. Tears welled in his eyes. After a long pause, he said:
“Last night, I prayed. I said, ‘God, I know I should speak for you – in front of my students, in front of my family. But I’m so afraid. Please send me a sign.’
And now you’re here.”
Wei was overwhelmed.
He had simply obeyed. No great speech. No miracle. Just a quiet word in faith.
And it was exactly what was needed.
Chapter 5 – Small Steps, Big Impact
In the weeks that followed, Jian began to change.
He became more open, spoke boldly about his faith.
Soon, he was asked to lead a student group – and he said yes.
What began small grew: the group became a small house church.
Young people came to faith. Bibles were shared. Hearts were touched.
And Jian often said:
“I was like Moses – full of doubt.
But God sent me an Aaron: a quiet math teacher with the courage to obey.”
Chapter 6 – The Burning Everyday
Wei returned to his everyday life.
He didn’t become an evangelist or preacher – he remained a teacher.
But something had changed.
He now knew:
God uses quiet people. Doubters. The hesitant.
Sometimes, there is no grand plan.
Just obedience at the right moment.
Chapter 7 – What Remains
Years later, Wei saw a post from Jian on a Christian network:
“Five years ago, a quiet man spoke God’s word to me on a platform in Chengdu. Today, I lead a small church by God’s grace. It all began with one sentence.
Whoever you are – thank you.”
Wei smiled quietly.
He remembered the voice, the dream, the station.
And he knew:
God still speaks.
And if we listen – we may walk.
Story Conclusion
Just as God used Moses despite his weakness, He used Wei – a quiet teacher in Asia.
This story reminds us that God works in every culture, every land, and every daily life.
He doesn’t need perfect people – He seeks listening hearts and obedient steps.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-3-rough-start-3-5-like-god-to-pharaoh-exodus-living-faith/
