Why Was God About to Kill Moses in Exodus 4?
As I sat down to read Exodus 4 this morning, I was struck by the intensity of God’s anger toward Moses. In this passage, God appears to Moses in a burning bush and calls him to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. But Moses is hesitant. He makes excuses, saying that he is not eloquent enough and that the people will not believe him. God’s patience wears thin, and he threatens to kill Moses.
This passage is a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty. He is the one who chooses to use us, and he does not need our permission. But it is also a reminder of our own responsibility to obey God. When God calls us to do something, we must be willing to step out in faith, even if we are afraid.
God’s Sovereignty
God is the sovereign ruler of the universe. He created all things, and he sustains all things. He is in control of everything that happens, from the smallest details to the most significant events. Nothing can happen without his permission.
God’s sovereignty is a comfort to us. We can know that he is in control, even when life is difficult. We can trust that he will never allow anything to happen to us that is not for our good.
Our Responsibility to Obey God
Even though God is sovereign, he has given us free will. We are not robots; we are capable of making our own choices. And God holds us responsible for the choices we make.
When God calls us to do something, we must be willing to obey him. We cannot make excuses. We cannot say that we are not qualified or that we do not have the time. We must simply obey.
Moses’ Hesitation
Moses was hesitant to obey God’s call. He made excuses, saying that he was not eloquent enough and that the people would not believe him. But God was not impressed with Moses’ excuses. He told Moses that he would be with him and that he would give him the words to say.
Moses’ hesitation is a reminder of our own tendency to disobey God. We often make excuses for why we cannot do what he asks us to do. But God is not interested in our excuses. He wants us to obey him, no matter what.
God’s Anger
God was angry with Moses for his hesitation. He threatened to kill Moses if he did not obey. This passage shows us that God is serious about obedience. He will not tolerate disobedience from his people.
God’s anger is a reminder of the consequences of disobedience. If we disobey God, we will face his wrath. We may not be killed physically, but we will be spiritually punished.
Tips and Expert Advice
Here are a few tips for obeying God:
- Be quick to listen to God’s voice.
- Do not make excuses.
- Trust that God will be with you.
- Be willing to step out in faith.
If you are struggling to obey God, seek help from a trusted friend or pastor. They can help you to understand God’s will for your life and to give you the courage to obey him.
FAQ
Q: Why was God so angry with Moses?
A: God was angry with Moses because he was hesitant to obey God’s call. Moses made excuses, saying that he was not eloquent enough and that the people would not believe him.
Q: What can we learn from Moses’ hesitation?
A: Moses’ hesitation is a reminder of our own tendency to disobey God. We often make excuses for why we cannot do what he asks us to do. But God is not interested in our excuses. He wants us to obey him, no matter what.
Q: What are the consequences of disobedience?
A: The consequences of disobedience can be severe. We may face God’s wrath, both in this life and the next.
Conclusion
God’s sovereignty is a comfort to us, but it also comes with a responsibility. We are responsible for obeying God, even when it is difficult. If we are willing to obey God, he will be with us and will give us the strength to do what he asks us to do.
Are you interested in learning more about God’s sovereignty and our responsibility to obey him? If so, I encourage you to read Exodus 4 for yourself. And if you are struggling to obey God, please seek help from a trusted friend or pastor.
