Title: God's Answers for our Distress
Text: Exodus 3,4
Theme: Mental Health
What if I am not good enough? What if no one believes me? What if I mess up? What if something goes wrong?
There are many uncertainties we can face before undertaking a task. Some of them can be healthy, others can be unhealthy.
Introduction:
A.E.W. Mason's novel "The Four Feathers" is about a young British officer, Harry Feversham, who resigns from his regiment just before deployment to the Sudan. He is branded a coward by his fiancée and three fellow officers and friends, who each send him a feather to symbolize his cowardice. To restore his honor, Harry goes to the Sudan in disguise to prove his bravery and save his friends' lives. The orders to go to the Sudan leave Harry feeling uncertain. He is conflicted about the thoughts of war, and does not want to leave his fiancée. His friends and fiancée see his actions as cowardly, but it was also a very human response to the uncertainty he was feeling. Life can be very unpredictable, and the anxiety, fear, and doubts that Harry experiences are something we can all relate to one way or another.
We also see Moses's uncertainty in response to God's call to deliver Egypt.
The story so far:
Exodus 1 describes the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt and Pharaoh's attempts to control their population growth through forced labor and the killing of male babies, which the Hebrew midwives defied. Exodus 2 details the birth of Moses, his mother's plan to save him in the Nile, his rescue by Pharaoh's daughter, and his eventual growth to adulthood. It also covers Moses killing an Egyptian for beating a Hebrew slave, fleeing to Midian, and the circumstances that led to his escape.
The Israelites are in bondage in Egypt. Pharaoh has attempted to control them not only by cruel means of enslavement, but also by killing the boy babies. A little baby boy named Moses is born, and he is ultimately saved by Pharaoh's daughter, with the help of his sister. He is nursed by his own mother but is raised by Pharoahs daughter. The Israelites are still enslaved and a grown up Moses witnesses the mistreating of an Israelite by an Egyptian, and kills the Egyptian in cold blood. Fearing for his life, Moses fleas to Midian where he meets his wife and begins a new life as a Shepherd.
This leads us to God's call of Moses. Moses is tending to his father-in-law's flock of sheep when he receives his divine calling.
The call of God to Moses:
A. Clear
It is clear to Moses that this call is from God. God uses a burning bush that is not consumed by the fire to get Moses attention. This bush can be seen as a picture of Israel (on fire from the persecution of Egypt, but not totally consumed). God speaks to Moses in a clear voice and Moses knows who he is talking to. (God deserves our reverence. God's Word is clear to us. Tasks taht are unclear are hard. It's hard following leadership taht is unclear and non consistent illustration)
It is clear to Moses what God is calling him to do and why.
"The most important role of a leader is to set a clear direction, be transparent about how to get there and to stay the course." — Irene Rosenfeld.
"Clarity is kindness." — Jacqueline M. Usher
B. Comprehensive
"We will cross that bridge when we get there"; "I dont think that is going to happen"; "We can what-if this thing to death" are not words God gives Moses. (Illustration of being able to have a dialogue instead of a monologue when you command and challenge people.) God answers Moses questions and concerns with clear and direct responses. He tells him exactly what he will encounter and promises to give him what he needs. This is an example we should all follow.
C. Crucial
God's people have cried out to God for help and God is answering them. The call God is giving Moses is a crucial call. Not every opportunity is a crucial one and it does not demand our attention. God has made it clear to Moses that this call is from him, what he needs to do, and why he needs to do it. The why of our current objective is essential.
Before we get into Mosess uncertainty, let's keep a couple of things in mind:
Moses nearly escaped death as a baby. Egypt was a dangerous place, and the times had changed drastically after Joseph died and a new Pharaoh came into power.
Moses murdered an Egyptian, and the act was known. He fled Egypt for his life. His life started in Egypt by escaping death, and he left Egypt to escape death. Now God is calling him back.
Moses grew up in disguise as an Egyptian. While God's people were enslaved and suffering, Moses was in the house of Pharaoh, being raised by his daughter. Now, God is calling Moses to deliver these people and lead them.
History tells us that Moses fled Egypt when he was around 40 years old, the call of God to Moses doesn't take place until Moses is 80 years old.
The next three words describe words that make any task difficult, and God has answer for each one: 1.) Adversity; 2.)Anxiety; and 3.) Agreements.
Outline:
I. God has an answer for our Adversity - Exodus 3:10-22
God tells Moses who He is "I AM" The God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph
God gives Moses what he needs for the Egyptians.
Isaiah 41:10, God will strengthen and help us, and John 16:33, where Jesus says he has overcome the world and we can have peace. Joshua 1:9, Philippians 4:13, and Psalm 46:1.
Overcoming the world
Psalm 11:2, "For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart."
II. God has an answer for our Anxiety - Exodus 4:1-9
Philippians 4:6-7 "6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Summarize Exodus 4:1-9
III. God has an answer for our Agreements - Exodus 4:10-17
10 And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.11 And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord?12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.
I'm too ....... (I'm clumsy;'m stupid; etc.)
(Bible College)
I'll always be in bondage/addicted... PSALM 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
God won't forgive me/doesn't care." T(Romans 8, 1 John 1:9).
My mistakes define me (2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.).
I'm not good enough 2 Cor 12:9 "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Conclusion:
God has an answer for:
Our Adversity
Our Anxiety
Our Agreements
A special thank you to my Friend Michael Barnette for the song "All things new" and to my friend Dave Compton for the opening remarks.
