Moses’ story really began as God looked down upon his hurting enslaved people. God wanted to send just the right leader to lead them out of their slavery and pain. Surely there had to be many young, strong, charismatic leaders among 600,000 Israelite men, but God did not choose any of them. There were, no doubt, many men with the gift of words. God wasn’t looking for a wordsmith. There were certainly those who would have jumped at the chance to lead for God or die trying. God did not choose one of those brave souls.
Instead, God chose a man who ran away from his family while they were slavery and then stayed away for 40 years. God chose a man who was a poor speaker. God chose a man who was afraid to accept a big challenge. God chose a man who did not want to be a leader. God chose Moses. He all of these things and more.
Moses just wanted to be left alone. Moses did not choose the task. God chose it for him. One of Shakespeare’s characters said, “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ’em.” Moses had greatness thrust upon him.
However, four times Moses gave excuses to God why he could not do what God called him to do. Four times God answered his objections. Finally Moses said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.” (Ex 4:13). No excuse, just make someone else do it.
Moses was not very different than most of us. God has a task for each of us. We may not want it and may resist it, but God keeps urging us. Paul urged Timothy, “Do not neglect your gift.” (1 Tim 4:14) We all have been given a gift, a talent, and a calling.
God would not let Moses get away with rejecting His call. In the end Moses did the thing God led him to do. Maybe you too have resisted a challenge that God has placed before you. Maybe you have refused even to see the challenge. Maybe you are happy with things just as they are, but God says to you, “Do not neglect your gift.”
Perhaps you are not 80. Maybe you are 30 or 40 or 50. If so, then your life’s title can read, “Life Begins at 50.” Go ahead and begin it. God will go with you on the journey.
~Lonnie Davis
Matthew 16:26
What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?