"Excuses, Excuses"
(Exodus 3:1-10)
I. Introduction.
A. The book called "Exodus" is pivotal to understanding the Old
Testament. It records beginning of national life of Israel -
the chosen people of God. And, it tells story of the beginning,
and content, of covenant made with these people, through
Moses, at Sinai.
1. Name of book comes from the Greek word meaning
"going out." But, in broader sense, has become name
used even today to refer to single greatest event in
Hebrew history.
2. "Exodus" is connecting link between early history of
mankind, in Genesis, and later development of covenant
nation through whom Messiah would come.
3. "Exodus" also introduces us to a pivotal figure in history
of Israel, Moses. Moses was both the great liberator and
the great lawgiver of Israel.
B. And Moses is writer of book of "Exodus." Was an eyewitness
to, as well as central character in, most of the events it records.
Wrote it during time of 40-year wandering in desert.
C. In last chapters of Genesis, read of life of Joseph and his rise to
high position in Egypt.
1. Was time when the country was being governed by
people in Semitic origin, called Hyksos. This accounts
for Joseph's treatment by rulers who were racially
related to him.
-2-
2. But, the Hyksos dynasty came to end around 1580 B.C.
Now, a new ruler did not look with favor on that period
of Egypt's history, or on Hebrew people, who were
reminder of it. In fact, this new ruler feared Hebrews.
Feared they would join any foreign people looking to
take control of country.
3. A systematic policy of oppression was begun against
Hebrews.
a. Hebrews were enslaved, used as forced laborers,
under cruel taskmasters.
b. But, Hebrews continued to multiply even under
harshest of circumstances.
c. Finally, Pharaoh gave an order to Hebrew
midwives (Read Exodus 1:15-16).
4. It was at this time, under these terrible conditions that
the deliverer was born, man named "Moses", from
Egyptian meaning "drawn out." ("Because I drew him
out of the water." - Exodus 2:10).
D. Writer of "Hebrews" gives us brief recounting of Moses' story:
Hebrews 11:23-27 (Read).
1. From a human viewpoint, how unthinkable was what
Moses did! He must have had a love for Pharaoh's
daughter, his adoptive mother, who had rescued him
from the Nile about 40 years before. Must have been
difficult to leave her and those who'd clothed, fed, and
educated him. And, what of leaving all that wealth,
honor, power, and glory - all due him as an heir to
throne of Egypt?
-3-
2. Moses' decision can only be understood on terms given
by Hebrew writer: "By faith..." he did these things.
Moses made a choice. That choice had consequences,
one of which forced Moses' removal from Egypt - for
another period of 40 years.
3. Now, Moses had settled in to another, far different, life
and lifestyle. He was married, had a family, and worked
as a simple shepherd. But, now was God's time to use
Moses to free His people, Israel.
4. What Moses' life had been spared for, what he'd been
educated and prepared for, what his faith in God had
led him to do, was now to be accomplished:
(Re-Read Exodus 3:10).
E. But, Moses not so sure - so much time had passed, so much had
happened to him in his life, he was 80 years old - when God
made another call to Moses, Moses gave his excuses as to why
he was not the man for the job.
II. Moses' Excuses - God's Responses.
A. The excuses of Moses, and God's responses to them are unique
to that time and those circumstances. But, that doesn't mean
they have no relevance for us.
1. God calls us, not to go to Egypt to free people held in
physical bondage, but to "...Go into all the world and
preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15).
2. Too often, we may feel just like Moses - and offer the
same excuses to God as to why we can't possibly do as
He commands us to do.
B. There's excuse number one: "Who Am I?" (Read Exodus 3:11)
-4-
1. The shepherd, now old and long-away from his
homeland - no doubt long-forgotten as well - how could
he go to the Pharaoh of Egypt - that powerful, glorious,
god-like king - and ask Pharaoh to simply release all his
Hebrew slaves.
2. Moses' question was really a good one: Who are we to
presume anything? Who are we to be used to
accomplish God's Will? The answer: in and of
ourselves, we are nothing but limited human beings.
3. The key to Moses' success in his commission, and to our
success in what God commands us to do, is in God's
response: (Read Exodus 3:12; underlined portion.)
a. We, alone, are insufficient for work God wants
us to do. But, God makes us sufficient.
b. Compare the Moses of 40 years before with
Moses at time of God's call to him at Horeb.
(Moses of Egypt with Moses of Midian; the
self-assured, self-confident Moses and hesitant,
questioning Moses.)
4. Now the way had been properly prepared, now the time
was right, the people of Israel, so oppressed by their
Egyptian masters, were ready to accept a savior. And,
God promised Moses His help.
5. God has the answer for us as well - for our feelings of
inadequacy and lack of ability. Romans 8:31: "...If God
is for us, who can be against us?" Neither Pharaoh nor
all forces Satan can gather can stop will of God. Only
our hesitations can get in the way.
C. Moses came right back with excuse number two: "What shall
I say?" (Read Exodus 3:13).
-5-
1. When Moses confronted the Israelites, there were
bound to be questions, about him and his authority.
2. "Who is this God who sent you to us?" Remember,
they'd been over 400 years in Egypt - no doubt much
of heritage lost.) And, "Why should we leave this land?
Even though we're slaves, life is hard, it's still our home.
Why should we leave here and go who knows where?"
3. Again, God gives Moses the necessary response
(Read Exodus 3:15).
4. Among most-frequently-used reasons why people are
reluctant to confront others with the gospel is: “What
shall I say?” What if people ask questions? How do I
answer them?
a. God gave Moses an adequate answer for the
Israelites; He gives us adequate answers for
peoples’ questions, today.
b. Lack of knowledge is no excuse. We learn, we
grow, then we can teach. God will not excuse us
from our responsibility to teach others when
He’s given us what we need to know to do so.
D. But, number three, “Suppose They Will Not Believe Me Or
Listen To My Voice?” (Exodus 4:1).
1. Even if you have the right things to say, what if people
will not listen?
2. In other words: what if I fail? What if I’m rejected?
-6-
3. God’s responses were proofs of His power which would
surely catch peoples’ attention and make the message
convincing. (The rod, which turns into a serpent,
[Exodus 4:2-5]; Moses’ hand, which is made leprous
and healed, [Exodus 4:6-8] the water, which becomes
blood when poured on dry ground, [Exodus 4:9]).
4. What if people will not listen to us? What if they won’t
believe us and message of God? We don’t have same
proofs Moses had, but we have God’s Word, which can
convict an honest seeker of truth.
5. Not everyone will listen. Not everyone will believe.
Then, Jesus said: “…whoever will not receive you nor
hear your words, when you depart from that house or
city, shake the dust from your feet.” (Matthew 10:14).
6. Remember, it’s not you who are rejected, it’s God and
His Word.
E. Still, Moses wasn't out of excuses: fourth, "I Am Not
Eloquent,...I Am Slow Of Speech And Slow Of Tongue."
(Exodus 4:10).
1. "I couldn't find the right words to say." But God knew
Moses' inadequacy before he voiced this objection. God
chose him anyway to represent Him before His people.
2. And, God took away this excuse: (Read
Exodus 4:14-16).
3. This cannot be our excuse for not fulfilling God's
command to teach, either. At very least, can take
someone with us who is better at expressing ideas and
teaching biblical principles.
-7-
III. Conclusion.
A. What were all the excuses really about? You find answer in
Exodus 4:13: "...O my Lord, please send by the hand of
whomever You may send." Moses just didn't want to go!
1. When we don't want to do something, can come up with
many reasons why we just can't do it.
2. The excuses are merely our reasoning, our way of
soothing our conscience, about what we don't want to
do.
3. God has given us the knowledge and means to fulfill
His commands. We must do it!
B. Excuses also apply to our obedience to gospel.
Lance Linderberger
April 15, 2007