Moses Given Powerful Signs
4:1 Then Moses answered, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you.’” 2 The Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A staff.” 3 And he said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses ran from it. 4 But the Lord said to Moses, “Put out your hand and catch it by the tail”—so he put out his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his hand— 5 “that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.” 6 Again, the Lord said to him, “Put your hand inside your cloak.” And he put his hand inside his cloak, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous like snow. 7 Then God said, “Put your hand back inside your cloak.” So he put his hand back inside his cloak, and when he took it out, behold, it was restored like the rest of his flesh. 8 “If they will not believe you,” God said, “or listen to the first sign, they may believe the latter sign. 9 If they will not believe even these two signs or listen to your voice, you shall take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground, and the water that you shall take from the Nile will become blood on the dry ground.”
10 But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” 11 Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” 13 But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” 14 Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses and he said, “Is there not Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Behold, he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. 15 You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth, and I will be with your mouth and with his mouth and will teach you both what to do. 16 He shall speak for you to the people, and he shall be your mouth, and you shall be as God to him. 17 And take in your hand this staff, with which you shall do the signs.”
Moses Returns to Egypt
18 Moses went back to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, “Please let me go back to my brothers in Egypt to see whether they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.” 19 And the Lord said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt, for all the men who were seeking your life are dead.” 20 So Moses took his wife and his sons and had them ride on a donkey, and went back to the land of Egypt. And Moses took the staff of God in his hand.
21 And the Lord said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the miracles that I have put in your power. But I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go. 22 Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord, Israel is my firstborn son, 23 and I say to you, “Let my son go that he may serve me.” If you refuse to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son.’”
24 At a lodging place on the way the Lord met him and sought to put him to death. 25 Then Zipporah took a flint and cut off her son’s foreskin and touched Moses’ feet with it and said, “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me!” 26 So he let him alone. It was then that she said, “A bridegroom of blood,” because of the circumcision.
27 The Lord said to Aaron, “Go into the wilderness to meet Moses.” So he went and met him at the mountain of God and kissed him. 28 And Moses told Aaron all the words of the Lord with which he had sent him to speak, and all the signs that he had commanded him to do. 29 Then Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the people of Israel. 30 Aaron spoke all the words that the Lord had spoken to Moses and did the signs in the sight of the people. 31 And the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord had visited the people of Israel and that he had seen their affliction, they bowed their heads and worshiped. (ESV)
Ex 4:11-12 The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
There is no excuse why we can’t share the life saving treatment of repentance and faith because God Himself will help us and teach us! LORD, please help me to share You with the people I meet today. Please send me.
13 But Moses said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.”
14 Then the LORD’s anger burned against Moses…
Moses had plenty of excuses to try to avoid doing what he was supposed to. For every excuse he had, God had a perfect solution. In the end, Moses realized he had no choice but to go do the Lord’s will. We need to realize that God has solutions to any ‘problems’ we think we may have as well. He has promised to be with us and to give us the words to speak when we evangelize, and if we are daily praying for boldness and revival He has promised that we will see these things come about! But at the same time, He will not wait around forever for us to decide to take advantage of the opportunities He has open for us. If we continue to give excuses and shy away from serving Him, He will find someone else to do the work – and we will miss out on the blessing. If we are not bold in evangelizing, someone else will be – but just because the job gets done doesnt mean we will be let off the hook for not doing our part. We need to be resolved to take advantage of every opportunity we are given to serve or to evangelize, casting aside all our lame excuses and approaching the task eager to serve the Lord joyfully!
11 The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ?
Moses was scared that he wouldn’t know what to say to the Isrealites and to Pharoah. He wasn’t much of a public speaker. But then he complains about it to God. The Lord’s response is just awesome. He asks Moses who allows people to talk, who allows people to hear, and who allows people to see. The answer is Himself of course. Moses doubted God. Why would he doubt God? God made humans, and He contols whether they can speak or not. He controls everything. There is no reason to fear speaking, because God, who made us and everything, is with us. We might have excuses about not doing things God tells us to do, but those excuses are just plain stupid when we remember that the God of the universe is with us. He could turn water into wine, He could even rise from the dead, so of course He can help us throuh our fear of speaking, or whatever it may be.
11 The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ?
12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
This chapter really shows how faithful God is to us when we represent him. We need to have faith that if the Lord has commanded us to do something, that he’ll give us the words to say and help us to approach people. Nothing is more encouraging than approaching someone as a representative of the Lord, knowing He won’t just abandon you.
2 Then the LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied.
3 The LORD said, “Throw it on the ground.” Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it.
4 Then the LORD said to him, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand.
That is pretty awesome. The Lord is capable of ANYTHING. He later turns the staff into a snake in front of pharaoh, then turns the river into blood, the plagues…all of those things! I yet to mention the parting of the Red Sea. Moses at first felt fear and doubt when he was speaking to God, however he followed Him.
13 But Moses said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.”
14 Then the LORD’s anger burned against Moses…
How many excuses do we have when we are going to share the Gospel? We are much like Moses in that we don’t want to trust God even though His promises are true and even though He has commanded us to go and spread the good news. We need to take heed to what we see here and remember that the Lord is the one who is equipping us and therefore we need to follow wherever He leads and be faithful in all things He calls us to do…and that starts at our schools or in our families with sharing the good news to the lost!
24 At a lodging place on the way, the LORD met {Moses} and was about to kill him. 25 But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin and touched {Moses’} feet with it. “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,” she said.
God takes obedience seriously! In Genesis 17 God commanded that all Isrealite males must be circumcused as it was the sign of the covenant that God made with Abraham. Moses had failed to circumcise his son and God was angry enough over his disobedience that he was going to kill him! These verses got me thinking about my own life and a few areas where I am dragging my feet on being obedient to God. I must repent of my disobedience and get right to obeying. Delayed obedience is disobedience, so let’s do what God has commanded us to do so we can be blessed by Him and not cursed.
13 But Moses said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.”
Great comment about this verse, Mike! In the last chapter and this one, Moses sounds several times like he’s trying to get out of being sent by the Lord. We need to be eager not reluctant to obey.
At Girl’s Workshop this upcoming Saturday, Carlynn is going to teach about this very thing, being ready to do what God says “anytime, anyplace, anything”…I hope you girls will come and be challenged to consider if you live ready to do anything and everything the Lord tells you to do without excuses.
5 “This,” said the LORD, “is so that they may believe that the LORD, the God of their fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has appeared to you.”
8 Then the LORD said, “If they do not believe you or pay attention to the first miraculous sign, they may believe the second
9 But if they do not believe these two signs or listen to you, take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground. The water you take from the river will become blood on the ground.”
This is amazing, God made Moses staff turned into a snake and when Moses grabs the snake by the tail it turns back into his staff. This is like superhero superpower cartoon stuff, it’s amazing what miracles God can do! Wow, God gave Moses another miraculous sign so no one could doubt the snake/staff. A third sign, turning water into blood that’s amazing. This reminds me of the sermon from the summer “walking on water” that God has complete control of everything and He can do whatever he wants!
12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
This sounds like the Holy Spirit! This is cool!
14 Then the LORD’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and his heart will be glad when he sees you.
Why God was so angry is because Moses was not trusting in the Lord. I know it can be hard to trust in the Lord sometimes when all seems like it’s not going to happen or work out, but we gotta trust in the Lord! It’s amazing God knows what already is going to happen and He says that Aaron is on his way! I just can’t believe this chapter right now, how amazing is the Lord!!!
19 Now the LORD had said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt, for all the men who wanted to kill you are dead.”
I think God probably did not let them live as long, because He wanted Moses to rescue the Israelites and get them out of Egypt.
21 The LORD said to Moses, “When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go.
31 and they believed. And when they heard that the LORD was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped.
This is awesome after the Israelites heard that they were going to be rescued by God, they praised Him! I remember from Winter Camp 08′ that we should be praising God in everything giving thanks!
Overall this chapter was so awesome! I loved this chapter!!!
QUESTION: why would God harden Pharoah’s heart? If God wants the Israelites out of Egypt was is He doing this? Is it because people would praise God even more? That’s what my guess would be…
12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
Like many others I was struck by this exchange between God and Moses. God calls Moses to do something and he comes up with excuse after excuse to why he can’t do it. God is also calling us to do things and like Moses we are coming up with excuses to why we can’t do it. The problem was Moses was focused on his strength and power and not God’s. The fact is from the OT to the NT people are shown as incapable. We need to realize that we can’t do anything of eternal significance by ourselves, we need God to be involved (John 15:5). God wants to work through us and promises to give us the spiritual resources to accomplish his will. Thus I need to trust in His strength and power and lean on His provision before I make an excuse to why I can’t do something He is calling me to do.
Moses didn’t think very highly of himself. When God told him He would help him speak and teach him what to say Moses still had doubts. God uses the weak for His glory a lot of times. And this is a great example of it, and Moses didn’t get that God had a purpose for him and it didn’t matter if he was a good speaker or if he could even speak at all. God will use us more then ever if we trust as a verb, and do what He is calling us to do no matter what our circumstances!
4 Then the LORD said to him, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand.
5 “This,” said the LORD, “is so that they may believe that the LORD, the God of their fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has appeared to you.”
This totally reminded me of the passage where the Israelites get bitten by the snakes! If they looked up to the snake on the pole, they would be healed! Now, it’s a snake from a staff, and some people believed once they saw Moses do this miraculous sign…hmmm interesting. And the staff is always with Moses the same way Jesus is! How awesome is that?! And the other miracles reminded me of other things, like how the blood of Jesus can wipe us clean, just as the blood from the water caused others to believe! I thought that was fascinating!
AND like what Pastor Mike just went over this weekend, we may have excuses but before God there will be none! We need to stop making up excuses and just say it, “Yes I’m a sinner, please wipe me clean of all my sins.”
Girls Workshop all the way Christa!
my answer to kyle’s question!: I believe God hardened Pharaoh’s heart for his glory, that the egyptians and israelites may believe through the miraculous signs that were about to be performed by Moses. Correct me if i am wrong or if you have more to add!
31 and they believed. And when they heard that the LORD was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped.
I loved this verse because their immediate response was worship. It reminded of Bobby’s sermon from last weekend!! Our response to everything in life should be worship, so let us worship the Lord together!!
31 and they believed. And when they heard that the LORD was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped.
Isn’t it an awesome feeling to know that the God of the universe is concerned about His people, even today? To be assured That He see’s our suffering and responds, should bring us both comfort and joy. I love how the Israelites respond to the news that God had seen their misery… they respond in worship! I pray that we would spend some time this week reflecting on the many times God has come through for us. May we respond in the same way… with a heart that longs to worship!
Moses….such a humble and obedient man of God (even though he did make excuses!). Now obviously I am nothing close to having the mind of God, but I think maybe one of the reasons Moses was chosen by God was because of his humility. Psalm 138:6 says, “Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar.” How can we expect God to work through us if we are too focused on ourselves? As we know pride goes before the fall, along with disgrace and a lack of wisdom. Though there were not immediate blessing for Moses (because of the people dislike for him originally and his act of murder), moses was still blessed and we know will be rewarded in heaven as well.
As for me I watch and hope for you Lord!
1 Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The LORD did not appear to you’?”
Even though doubting the Lord is not commendable, I really identify with Moses here. He is worried about what will happen when people reject him just like we often worry about what to say when we share the gospel or what do to when someone persecutes us. Just like Moses asked the Lord, we should ask God to give us the words to say to people. It is so much better knowing that we are not alone and that the Holy Spirit supplies us with everything we need to proclaim the gospel. Thank You, God!
2 Then the LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied.
3 The LORD said, “Throw it on the ground.” Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it.
4 Then the LORD said to him, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand.
5 “This,” said the LORD, “is so that they may believe that the LORD, the God of their fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has appeared to you.”
6 Then the LORD said, “Put your hand inside your cloak.” So Moses put his hand into his cloak, and when he took it out, it was leprous, like snow.
7 “Now put it back into your cloak,” he said. So Moses put his hand back into his cloak, and when he took it out, it was restored, like the rest of his flesh.
8 Then the LORD said, “If they do not believe you or pay attention to the first miraculous sign, they may believe the second.
9 But if they do not believe these two signs or listen to you, take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground. The water you take from the river will become blood on the ground.”
i love these verses because it shows that God is so powerful and that he can do anything! i think its so cool how God told moses to put his hand in his cloak and when he took it out he had leprosy and when he put it back in and took it out again it was gone! leprosy was one of the most feared diseases back then. there was no cure, so for God to heal him within seconds is so amazing and just shows how awesome and powerful God is!
10 Moses said to the LORD, “O 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.”
11 The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ?
12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
13 But Moses said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.”
14 Then the LORD’s anger burned against Moses
I liked how God used someone who wasn’t right for the job. He could have picked Aaron or someone who was a smooth, charismatic talker but he chose Moses. Moses has a lot of imperfections I mean he murdered someone and ran away not to mention that he is a nervous talker. Its interesting to see that Moses can’t even believe in himself and since he is unable to do that, he doubts the Lord’s calling. I don’t think we should let fear block the way of what God is calling us to do. God is bigger than anything. He’s bigger than our fear and if we can’t trust Him, who can we trust? Then in vs. 14, it said the Lord’s anger burned against Moses. God must have been really frustrated that Moses couldn’t even believe in Him. He created the world and Moses is worrying about a little thing of public speech frighten him from freeing his own people from slavery. I would not want to make God angry. Fortunately God gives us all chances to come back to him and to do His will.
I am seconding Dillon on this one.
12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
13 But Moses said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.”
Moses c’mon man! The Lord even said in verse 12 he would help Moses speak, but it seems that Moses, the great man who lead the Israelites out of egypt, had little faith… And the result or response from the Lord is in verse 14..
14 Then the LORD’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and his heart will be glad when he sees you
Yahweh’s anger burned against Moses because he was of little faith. We as Christians need to trust in God under all circumstances so that his anger will not burn against us just like we see in this chapter.
Why so little comments?? This is lame Pastor Bobby real lame, where are even the Teen Ministers????
God talking to Moses through a bush i would be freaked and amazed. The staff turning into the snake was cool i wish God did something like that to me turning a soled object in to a creture or animal.God loves us all.
11 The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ?
This is a very cool chapter! God can work through anyone to spread his word and his good news. In Exodus chapter 4, God is telling Moses to go into Egypt and tell the Pharaoh to let Gods people go. Now the Pharaoh was the most powerful ruler of all the land, he controlled the world. When God told Moses what he wanted him to do, Moses was scared out of his mind and came up with some excuses to get him out of the job. However, God doesn’t make mistakes. God found a solution for every single excuse Moses came up with. God had chosen Moses for the job and he wasn’t going to take any substitutions. This is very encouraging to me because Moses didn’t even ask God to use him for his glory, and still God provided for him. If God can provide for Moses when he didn’t even ask God to help him, how much more will God help us when we call upon his name to help us!!! This is truly exciting for me because I have been scared to talk to kids at my school about Jesus, but after reading this passage I know that God will provide the words that need to be said to change the hearts of kids at my school!!! Praise God!!!!
10 Moses said to the LORD, “O 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.”
again, we see how the “heroes” of Scripture are not actually the hero, but God is. even after God appeared to Moses and let him on His holy ground, Moses still has doubt and eventually needs Aaron to back him up when he talks to Pharaoh.
11 The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ?
i love how God responds with this very straightforward rebuke. here Moses is doubting God’s sovereignty, and the Lord quickly corrects him. this reminds us of how our Lord is sovereign, and how if we are His children He works everything out for our own good (Romans 8:28). this also reminded me of how God rebukes Job, as well as when Jesus rebukes Simon Peter. it is comforting to know that our God is sovereign
10 Moses said to the LORD, “O 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.”
11 The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ?
To me Moses excuse seems pretty eloquent and well said. I really like how he beautifully he described his speech problems. What a complete lack of faith. But how many times I have said or thought the same excuses? How many times have I not shared the gospel because I felt inadequate or at a lost for words? See Moses was focusing on himself and not trusting in God. I have a bad habit of doing the same. If God is telling us do something then we know it can be done. We just need to trust God will equip us to carry out his plans.
Over these last couple chapters, I’m impressed by the connection between the call of Moses and the character of God. As we see God commissioning Moses, he reveals so much about who he is. He is the great I AM WHO AM. He is a powerful creator. He is a gracious leader of his people.
This link between a call to ministry and the character and wonder of God is seen other places in Scripture, like Isaiah 6 and Revelation 1.
And I don’t think we can ever separate our Christian lives or our witness or our personal walk with the Lord from a BIG view of God. After reading these last two chapters, we should be amazed at our God!
12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
13 But Moses said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.”
As Christians, we should have a desire to evangelize and spread the Gospel! There should be no excuses for what God comands us to do, and we are commanded to do it, evangelizing is not an option. It should be encouraging to know that the Holy Spirit will give you the words to say! I know at times when I don’t go evangelizing, I feel the conviction! We need to not take sin so lightly, neither evangelizing! We should have the mindset of DOING it.
10 Moses said to the LORD, “O 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.”
11 The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ?
12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
13 But Moses said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.”
When I first read the exchange between Moses and the Lord I was shocked! How could Moses question the holy, sovereign God? The Lord had already revealed his glory to Moses in the burning bush, yet Moses was full of excuses and refused to immediately obey the Lord’s instructions. However, as I began to think more about Moses’ and the Lord’s interaction, I was convicted of my own delayed obedience.
As Christians today, we have been given God’s very word as commands to be obeyed. Have we been following the commands that God has given us in his Word? Do not be selfish (Philippians 2:3), do everything without complaining (Philippians 2:14), and go make disciples (Matthew 28:19) are just a few commands from Scripture. Are we obeying immediately or are we offering excuses for our disobedience? Let’s stop angering the Lord by offering excuses for our delayed obedience!
11 The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ?
God is in control. We may not think we are the right person for a job, but if God put us in a position to serve him, he has a plan for us. He will help us find the words to say. We just need to be faithful to carry out the job.
10 Moses said to the LORD, “O 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.”
I think many of us, including me have pulled this excuse. I’m not very bold or good at speaking so I won’t tell others about the gospel. That is no excuse because in John 14:26 it says “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” We have the Holy Spirit that will teach us what to say just as Moses had. “Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke with him, and he took of the Spirit that was on him (Moses) and put the Spirit on the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied, but they did not do so again.” (Numbers 11:25). Moses had the same Spirit that is in us, therefore we should speak boldly to others just as Moses did.
13 But Moses said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.”
I loved Matt’s comment on this verse. How could Moses lack the faith that God would be capable of speaking through him? Even after God had performed the two miracles! He can turn a staff into a snake – but no, He wouldn’t be able to use Moses to spread His word…that’s crazy! How often do we do the same thing?? Trust and follow Him. Don’t be deceived that God is somehow not in control – He is!
2 Then the LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied.
3 The LORD said, “Throw it on the ground.” Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it.
4 Then the LORD said to him, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand.
You can just tell, how much faith Moses had, even though he didnt want to go and save his people himself he had the faith to pick up a serpent when the Lord asked! For because of this you know he has faith in God, cause usually if you didnt you wouldnt bend down and pick up a serpent. I also want to point out that the reason the Isrielites believed him was probably because he had faith and believed in all he was saying, he had believe in God and his words, and had Faith in him. I also wanted to comment on what CHrista said about how we should all be eager to do what the Lord asks’ and I agree, we should all be not only willing but grateful of what he asks us to do.
I ALSO CANT WAIT TILL GIRL’S WORKSHOP!!!!!
13 But Moses said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.”
14 Then the LORD’s anger burned against Moses…
How many times do we do something even though it goes against what we know God would want? So many! Moses did this and look at the Lord’s reaction. We never take him this seriously! But we need to. God is amazing and merciful and loving, but he is also a jealous and all powerful Lord. We need to fear him. He has given us so much, its the least we owe him. We need to take his commands seriously. He is not joking, he shows that much here. We dont deserve anything that he has given us, and we owe it to him to at least follow his commands. He is not someone you want to make angry and sin definately angers God, not only angers him but also hurts him. So if we dont fear God, do we at least love him? we should do both
Hey Kyle, in regards to why God would harden Pharoah’s heart…read Romans 9!
The main thing that jumped out at me from this chapter was Moses’ mouth. He was afraid he was going to have to use it. He was hesitant to speak for God.
This sounds like us when we don’t want to talk to other people about God!
Notice how this attitude made the Lord angry in verse 14!
We need to get out there and speak the good news! Let’s pray for our campus lunches this week where we are going to do that!
20 So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey and started back to Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand.
Despite Moses’ fears and reservations, he followed the Lord’s instructions. We should all strive to have a faith as this. Although he questioned the Lord’s plan a little bit in the beginning, he ended up doing exactly as the Lord had said. God is in complete control of our lives, nothing happens to us that He hasnt forseen or allowed to happen. Trust in Him who gives us breath.
There are some moments in life when I think “How can someone see something like this or have a moment like this and not believe” (compliments of A Walk To Remember) God’s miracles are in everyday life. We just have to open our eyes and believe. The are around us, its just a matter of whether or not we are watching for them.
Look for His miracles.
13 But Moses said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.”
14 Then the LORD’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and his heart will be glad when he sees you.
This is like us sometimes, when we are afraid to open our mouths and speak the gospel. In verse 14, the Lord gets angry and “burned against Moses.” We need to be spreading the gospel like wildfire, and praising the Lord, making HIM happy (:
Our Lord is so amazing, and has everything planned out the way he wants. We are just the pieces of the puzzle that are supposed to do what our Lord commands. The Lord chose a man who was “slow of tongue and speech” to take back the Hebrew nation! Sometimes we may think that we are not good enough or not spiritual enough, or whatever, but after reading this, we should realize that the Lord can use anyone to do anything. I am so excited to see what the Lord has planned for me in my life, and I know that by keeping HIM number one, everything else will fall into place.
(:
2 Then the LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied.
3 The LORD said, “Throw it on the ground.” Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it.
4 Then the LORD said to him, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” So Moses reached
This reminds me of just TRUSTING IN GOD(:
how moses reached down to a scary snake
and grabbed it by the tail. But Moses trusted
in God and did what he was told to do.
3 The LORD said, “Throw it on the ground.” Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it.
If we trust in GOD he can do miracles through us. Nothing can take his love from us. GOD can do things that you could not even believe through us, his humblest of servants.
13 But Moses said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.”
14 Then the LORD’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and his heart will be glad when he sees you.
This verse shows us that we need to obey God the first time and not make excuses. We should fear God and not make him angry.
10 Moses said to the LORD, “O 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.”
11 The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ?
God can use ANYONE to spread His glory and be used for His kingdom! Even someone who is “slow of speech and tongue.” Sowho are we to say that there’s something wrong with us, or we are incapable of sharing God’s Word? God CREATED our mouths and everything that we need to be using to further His kingdom! What an awesome thing!
4 Then the LORD said to him, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand.
This is just one sigh that God can do anything. He is asking mosis to do this for him but moses still has his doubts and want sombody else to do it . We as Christians ashould be excitedd to bring God glory and willingly do anything that he commands.
13 But Moses said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.”
14 Then the LORD’s anger burned against Moses…
The Lord was angry when Moses started to complain about going to the Israelites. Like Pastor Mike’s message talked about this past weekend, we should make up excuses to do what God want’s us to do. As we see hear, it angers the Lord,and we definately do not want that.
Pastor Bobby is right, we should be out there telling people about the good news! We should be out because, like in verse 12, God will teach us what to tell the people and we should be praying for boldness because God is giving us what to say and we just have to say it. That’s so awesome!
11 The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ?
God is powerful and great. I know this chapter focuses on Moses going and talking to Pharoh but this verse is just so awesome. God is telling to us his abilities of how he gives us something so simple yet so powerful such as a mouth. God is AMAZING!!
This whole chapter is awesome! It shows us how much we must trust God and understand that he knows what he is doing, he has his plan! We have to obey Him!
11 The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD?
We always see God in the good things he does, but we also tend to forget that he is the one who can make the bad things happen too. Let us just remember that God is God and we are man….we can’t even compare. The Lord is so big and we just can’t even start to begin how huge and powerful he is! So we have to thank God for the good and bad he does.
13 But Moses said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.”
i liked this verse and we shouldnt be like moses was and nervous or something and not want to share the gospel. we should be making it a habit and doing it with everybody we come in contact with. god gets mad when we make up excuses to do what the lord wants us to do like mark said!!
11 The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ?
12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
I love these verses! Again, they show us how truly amazing our God is. God gave us our mouths and the ability to speak, and the Holy Spirit provides us with words when we are evangelizing, so that it is not us talking, but the Holy Spirit talking through us.
1 Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The LORD did not appear to you’?”
2 Then the LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied.
3 The LORD said, “Throw it on the ground.” Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it.
I think that Moses was running from God more than running from the snake. Sure, a snake from a stick would be scary, but the fact that God made it happen is scarier. We all need to know of God’s powers and understand what he is capable of: ANYTHING! He can do whatever, whenever, and however. We need to fear him and let him receive the praise he deserves!
The LORD said, “Throw it on the ground.” Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it.
4 Then the LORD said to him, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand.
5 “This,” said the LORD, “is so that they may believe that the LORD, the God of their fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has appeared to you.”
6 Then the LORD said, “Put your hand inside your cloak.” So Moses put his hand into his cloak, and when he took it out, it was leprous, like snow.
7 “Now put it back into your cloak,” he said. So Moses put his hand back into his cloak, and when he took it out, it was restored, like the rest of his flesh.
10 Moses said to the LORD, “O 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.”
11 The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ?
These verses really stuck out to me when i was reading this chapter. These verses were showing how powerful God is and how he is in control of everything. When God challenges Moses saying “Is it not me who makes man deaf or mute, or gives man sight or blindness” it really showed me and reminded me how God really does have control over everything, and he is soo powerful! God had a big plan for Moses! What an honnor.
10 Moses said to the LORD, “O 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.”
11 The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ?
Sometimes when I am afraid to evangelize I always tell myself that i am not good at it so therefore I shouldn’t even bother but its like a little voice in me tells me that I don’t need to be afraid becasue the Holy Spirirt will tell me what to say. And he always does. Never have I walked away from evanglaizing to someone and regret what I have told them. If God gives us a mouth, then obviosly its for a purpose and we should put it too a good use instead of gossiping or doing nothing with it. These are such great verses because they really demostrate how we can think of a billion reasons why not to evangalize but we know deep down that this is our calling and we can either choose to do it or not.
13But Moses said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.”
When I first read this verse I was dissapointed to see that Moses wasn’t really pumped up to go ask pharaoh to let his people go. But then I realized how many times God gives us oppurtunities to help His people even little things like inviting them to church, sharing the Gospel but we don’t always take those oppurtunities.Just because God doesn’t call us from a burning bush doesn’t mean God’s not calling us to do things as important as what God was calling Moses to do. Let’s be pumped to go into our school’s and tell everyone we know what Jesus Christ has done for us.
12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
So many times in our own lives, we are afraid to tell people about the gospel. We think we don’t know enough, that we don’t know what to say or how to say it. But lets remember that we are doing it for the Lord and we need to trust that he will help us get the message across. If you want to be used by God, He will use you and prepare you. Like he says here in this verse “I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Let that be an encouragement to us all!
12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
This verse reminds me of the second point of Pastor Bobbys sermon “Prayer Warriors”, stating that we are to ask God for the words to say. Jesus promises His disciples that the Holy Spirit will give them the words to say when talking to non-Christians. The most important part of evangelizing is knowing what to say. God will provide us with the words, but only on previous information we have studied or learned. This makes me want to dig so much deeper into Gods word so that I can know the right things to say when I talk to people. It is so important to gain Biblical knowledge to apply to our lives and to also teach to others when we get asked questions about the bible.
Wow love Exodus this chapter is so much about trust and how Moses has to trust the Lord into making a stick turn into a snake. For God has true miracles and they show. And we also have fear to tell people about the Word for getting questoned and not knowing something but if we ask the Lord’s guidance He will guide our hearts and words.
This chapter is amazing! It is so encouraging because I realized that we do not need to rely on ourselves, this only brings anxiety and worry. God is always with us.
I love that God says this to Moses:
11 The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ?
God is in control and we do not need to take anything upon ourselves, but instead trust in the God of the universe.
I’m encouraged to see more people on SOTD!
13 But Moses said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.”
14 Then the LORD’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and his heart will be glad when he sees you.
I actually can’t believe that Moses said this to God. I mean, i know we are all sinner’s, but if i was talking back and forth with God i think i would be terrified to NOT do what he said. We need to follow the Lord though, even when it’s tough, when we aren’t talking with him.
21 The LORD said to Moses, “When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go.
23 and I told you, “Let my son go, so he may worship me.” But you refused to let him go; so I will kill your firstborn son.’ ”
Wow. This is kinda intense. Revenge truley is the Lord’s. God PURPOSEFULLY hardened Pharoah’s heart so he could kill his son.
Like Moses, God gives us so many reasons to have a unshakeable faith in Him, yet we still feel insecure or hopeless at times. God has given us so much; the response we should have is reliance on Him to keep providing everything we need in order to glorify Him (2Cor. 9:8) instead of backing down and living in fear. By living this truth in our lives we can begin to be like David and say “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.” (Psalm 23:1) and have satisfaction in “I Am Who I Am”!
10 Moses said to the LORD, “O 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.”
11 The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ?
12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
13 But Moses said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.”
14 Then the LORD’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and his heart will be glad when he sees you.
Why is it that we are deemed socialites in the eyes of the world, but shy in proclaiming the Word of God? Why is it we are so eager to ask for something, but not so when asked in return?
Well, I don’t know. In my opinion, however, history repeats itself, as is the case in this particular group of verses, and our problem in modern times. Anyways, I agree with Julia and Matt on this one. we should be trusting in God! He is the Creator, the Maker of All things. what happened to REVIVAL?
Revive Orange County! ~or at least get everyone you know in your smallgroup to post~
Yayyy im so excited to see all these commentss!!! Greatjob posting everyonee
Wow, first of all,,how amazing are those miracles that God enables Moses to perform?!? That is so amazing to me, i would love to see that in person and i dont understand how people can see that and not believe in Christ!
11 The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ?
12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
This verse reminds me of people in general, including me…we know we have been chosen or asked to do something, but we let anxiety, self doubt, laziness, ect. get in the way. We think of excuses to get us out of the situation. But here God is saying no way jose!! im not taking those excuses i gave you the ability to speak and i will help you speak!! Even though we might be asked to do something that is extremely scary or nerve racking we need to trust God and know that he is in control,He is the creator of the universe and if He brings you to it He will lead you through it!!!
12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
13 But Moses said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.”
This sounds a lot like how I can act in regards to evangelism. God has clearly promised that He will be with us and will give us the words to say, yet a lot of times we still are hesitant to do it. We can make up a lot of dumb excuses or do other things and say we are too busy. I need to make sure that I am truly trusting the Lord, because He always is true to His promises, and obey His commands like He says and He will be with me and give me the words to say.
This chapter was really cool! The miracles the Lord showed Moses were incredible! But it was sad that he didn’t want to speak and tried to get out it…. We must always be ready to be instruments of the Lord and do what He wants us to do!
Such a great chapter of scripture!
“And when they heard that the LORD was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped.”
Wow, I feel like I see a verse relating to worship all the time now. This verse made me think about my own worship to the Lord. Just like the Lord was working to deliver the Hebrews from the Egyptians, God has delivered me and all sinners from the punishment of Hell and given us the opportunity to spend eternity with God (talk about the ultimate deliverance!). God has been SO concerned with us just like he was with the Hebrews thousands of years ago and if they can bow down and worship, I should be able to also and be in a constant state of honoring the glory and holiness of God.
11.) The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ?
12.) Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
Wow, just like a couple other people have said, I was taken back by how many excuses Moses made, then thought of how we sometimes do the same thing. Maybe not in situations like this one, but even at home about doing chores or whatever it may be. As Christians we need to be ready to do what the Lord commands and know that it is HIS WILL that matters, not ours.
11 The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD?
Really good chapter! now I know that this is a little out of context but this verse really reminded me of how God made us who we are all for his glory and plan. And so we need to trust him….but with the verse taken in context it is also very cool and it reminds me about evangelism and things along those lines. God is in control and he will get said what he wants to be said in one way or another. Trusting God is very important…
11 The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ?
12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
This is like when we reject an opportunity God has given us. Just like God becomes upset with moses, so he becomes upset with us. We need to trust God more.
11 The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ?
12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
This is such an awsome verse. Moses does not want to talk to the people. He thinks that he will not know what to say. And this is what many Christians would say today for the reason that they do not evangelize. It is a valid point but God totally makes it clear hear that you should not be afraid of that problem. God gave us this mouth and he gave us the ability to speak so why should we not use it to glorify and spread His Name. And it tells us that God Himself will help us speak and teach us what to say. And this brings up something often neglected. Are we praying that God will give us the words to speak. Are we getting into the Bible and making sure that we can answer every answer that we are asked so we wont be scared to talk to people??
11 The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ?
12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
What a comfort it is that by reading God’s word and talking with Him in prayer every day God will teach us what to say when witnessing- and futhermore will help us speak with the right words!
Ex 4:11-12 The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
It is so awesome to think about this and such an encouragement! He gives us everything and has the ability to give us more or take away anything. Praise God for that!
Well the first almost half of this chapter is a written down battle that probably resembles most of our thoughts toward what God wants out of us. He constantly sets up situations for us that we mentally battle in every way possible. In verse 12 God even says that he will help Moses speak and teach him what to say and Moses comes back and still argues. This is exactly how we look today. God has given us everything we need in his word including the hope of heaven and we still battle. I think it’s time to get up and make disciples and to show others that our lives are mirror images of what God has commanded.
great comments everyone!!
11 The LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ?
like many of you said, i also love how God completely shows moses that He is the one in control, and He’s gonna do what He wants and what’s according to His will, not moses’s. reminds me of the verses (coming up i think) where God says that he will have mercy on those he wants to have mercy…
many times i have brought God down to my level and acted like my will was the only thing that mattered, and that God was there for me, to get me the stuff i wanted when i wanted it… God quickly humbles me every time and proves himself faithful to show that He is a completely sovereign God.
” “The LORD said to him, ‘Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ?’ ”
God is in control. We may not think we are the right person for a job, but if God put us in a position to serve him, he has a plan for us. He will help us find the words to say. We just need to be faithful to carry out the job.”
Amen!!
This chapter is a perfect example of the kind of people God chooses to do his work: incapable people. Moses was by no means a speaker, as we see, and yet God chooses him to deliver the most important message!
Just like basically everyone just said, God will not tell you to do some super hard thing and then leave you all by yourself to do it. He will help us!
I’m confused about one thing, though:
“At a lodging place on the way, the LORD met {Moses} and was about to kill him.”
Why would God just come to where Moses was on his way to Egypt and almost kill him?? I don’t get this.
10 Moses said to the LORD, “O 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.”
God is with Moses yet he still doesn’t have faith that he can talk to them and make them listen to him. So God is showing his patience with Moses even though he should believe that the creator is with him and he should have no doubt in what will happen he still does.