By Mike Caton

Exodus 4:13, “But Moses said, ‘Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.’”

This really is the heart of the problem with Moses, he just doesn’t want to go. God has shown him miracles, promised to be with him, said he would help him speak and teach him what to say, but Moses simply doesn’t want to go. We really don’t know Moses’ heart, but we can speculate about those reasons. And honestly, we have many of the same reasons for not doing what God is calling us to do. We are content where we are, we can’t see that problem from our house, we are afraid, we really don’t care that much about those people (or that person), it is easier to stay where we are and do nothing, and so the list goes.

I looked to see how some other versions translated this verse, it was pretty interesting. The meaning is the same, even if the words a just a little different. But it comes down to Moses simply not wanting to go. Sure, it is a great idea God, your people certainly need to be freed, but send someone else, anyone else, just not me. Let’s be honest, don’t we often feel that way? We know there is something the Lord wants done, we might even feel the Lord nudging us in that direction, but it is something we simply don’t want to do. And so, we try to ignore that prodding, we look for someone else to do it, but we are not willing ourselves.

But the thing is, once we are willing to do that thing, whatever it is, we find out just how right God was to begin with. Most of the time it is a blessing to the other person, but we find that in blessing them we get a greater blessing our self. Maybe we find we actually like doing that thing, or we see the difference that thing makes, or the other person shines and we realize the Lord used us to help bring that about.

In other words, we receive as much or a greater blessing than we think we are giving. God is like that, in serving and honoring him, we find the real meaning of life, the true satisfaction that we are looking for. And it comes by laying down our lives to follow Jesus.

Father, help me always do as you command. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Mike Caton is the preacher at Mount Olive Church of Christ in Belhaven. He volunteers at the Ponzer Fire Department and works full time with Hyde County EMS. If you would like to receive daily devotions in your inbox, email mikecaton@centurylink.net.

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