[Exodus 4-5]

H – Exodus 4:2, “The LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A staff.””

E – Ministry!

Ministry is not easy. Living with missional focus is not easy. 

God’s rescue plan for Israel would come from a great missional endeavor. It would require Moses going back to Egypt, proving to Israel that God had heard their cries for help, and speaking and acting on behalf of God to Pharaoh and the Egyptians all that God would command Moses to speak and do. 

However, “the call” is not easy. It doesn’t come naturally. The call to greater purpose goes against our flesh nature, making our natural tendency to fight against the call. 

Moses certainly did. First, Moses doubted the call (3:11, 4:1). He just couldn’t see himself being used to do what God had shown and promised He would do. He didn’t believe that he would be believable to others. Second, Moses made excuses to why he was not the one to be called (4:10). He wasn’t smart enough or good enough. He thought of himself as dumb and slow. Third, Moses went through denial (4:13). Denial was greater than the doubt. He finally got to the point that he said, “I don’t want to do it.” 

I know how all of those emotions feel. I’ve been there. However, when we doubt God’s calling, make excuse against God’s calling, and deny God’s calling; we miss GOD. We miss God at work. We miss opportunities to see that nothing is too impossible for God. 

I’m thankful, that like Moses, God never gave up pursuing me with His calling. 

Now to the staff. The staff served as a sign that God would be with Moses and would bring about what He promised through him. God had told Moses everything that would happen, to the ’T’. The staff was a reminder that God would be with him. God had promised Moses over and over again, “I will be with you”. That promise sounds familiar. It was the same promise that God promised Abraham, Issac, Jacob (Israel), Joseph, and now Moses. It’s also the same promise that is promised today, for you and I. 

Is the calling to follow God with missional purpose for all believers? YES

Is the calling to ministry, missional living, easy? NO

Is living out the calling in each of our lives worth it? YES

A – Hold fast to “God is with me,” follow Him, watch Him work, don’t give up, don’t make excuses, and don’t be distracted (4:22). Obediently let God fulfill His purpose in and through my life. 

R – Lord God, thank you for rescuing me. Thank you for using me as a vessel to your rescue. Thank you for allowing me to be part of “the called”. Lord God, help me to be reminded of your promises, cling to your truth, and never let go. Use my life today for your glory. I pray we would see you at work in rescuing others. 

In Jesus Name!