Date: 02-01-2021

Title: Excuses

(S) cripture:
    Exodus 4:10-14 (NLT2) But Moses pleaded with the LORD, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.” 11 Then the LORD asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the LORD? 12 Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.” 13 But Moses again pleaded, “Lord, please! Send anyone else.” 14 Then the LORD became angry with Moses. “All right,” he said. “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he speaks well. And look! He is on his way to meet you now. He will be delighted to see you.

(O) bservation:
    Moses has offered excuses as to why he is not qualified to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. God has patiently answered each excuse, but Moses continues. Moses continues until we are told that God’s anger burned (NASB) against Moses. God gives Aaron, his older brother, to Moses as his spokesperson. God provided for Moses in ways he did not expect.

(A) pplication:
    God shows such patience with me. I am sure he gets tired of my excuses. This passage is a warning to me that there is a limit to how much God will let me complain and make excuses. I do not ever want to have it said that “God’s anger burned against Robin.” My fear is that we have so emphasized God’s love that we have forgotten his anger and wrath. God still hates sin and its effects in our lives. Today I will not offer excuses but will do my best to do what he guides me to do.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, make me aware when I am making excuses to you. DO what you must in my life to warn me about them. I do not want to kindle your anger against me. I want to walk by faith with you each day fulfilling what you have for me that day. Let me sense your strength and power to follow you that way. Amen