EXCUSES, EXCUSES
As I continue to explore the wilderness experience as a template for how we should address racism in the church, I am struck by the excuses Moses made in an attempt to avoid the assignment. Most people know the story of the burning bush as recounted in Exodus 3, but how many recall how Moses tried to resist the call.
In Exodus 3:11 Moses says: “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, . . .” What qualifications do I have? Why did you pick me?
Then in 3:13-15, Moses suggests that he doesn’t even know God’s name. He can hardly be effective if he is ignorant of the faith. In 4:1, Moses raises the question of how to respond if the Israelites don’t believe or listen to him.
In 4:10, again he suggests that he is not an eloquent speaker but rather slow of speech and slow of tongue.
Then when people resisted his message because of the consequences, Moses turns and questions God’s choice. in 5:22 He says, “Why have you mistreated this people? Why did you ever send me?” and in 6:12, The Israelites have not listened to me…poor speaker that I am . . .”
In Exodus 6:30 Moses says, “Since I am a poor speaker, why would Pharaoh listen to me.”
And if that wasn’t enough
It’s recorded in Exodus 7:7 that Moses was 80 years old and his brother was eighty-three when they went in to speak with the Pharaoh. How many people start a new career when they are in their eighties?
Responding to God’s call, especially if it includes challenging the society in which we live is not for the faint of heart. Yet it was because of Moses’ obedience to God, that the people were transformed from those trapped in slavery to those who had the courage to journey towards the Promised Land. To be a pastor that addresses racism is not for the faint of heart, but it may well be God’s call for us in this time when we are increasingly aware that it contributes to the brokenness of our society.
