The complexity of the call

Exodus 3:2-3, 9-11

Last week I reflected on the idea that Moses was wired to care for his people, who were suffering in slavery under Pharaoh. Moses flees after killing an Egyptian, and after some time, God appears to Moses:

And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.”

[God said to Moses] “And now, behold, the cry of the people of Israel has come to me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:2-3, 9-11)

Moses is married, has a son, and is living in Midian, tending his father-in-law’s flock. On this day, walking along the trail, Moses notices something different. A bush appears to be on fire, yet isn’t destroyed. He turns to study the bush and hears God’s voice. This voice will turn into Moses' call to deliver the Israelistes from Egyptian bondage. Now, In contrast to his people living in Egypt, life was probably pretty good. So when God calls him to go see Pharaoh, Moses’ first response feels like the guy who stops, glances over his own shoulder and back again, thumbing his chest: “Who, me?”

God speaks to us in many ways. Through visions, dreams, nature, art, and especially other people. He speaks to us through events sometimes beautiful, and other times life-threatening. Like Moses, God must first get our attention. Then, God often calls us to do that which is challenging. Something new, something uncertain, something we know will be difficult.

In a business full of family members, the call might involve confronting someone, or it might involve reconciling with someone. It might involve setting boundaries, or it might mean asking for someone’s forgiveness after violating their trust. It might involve a new direction for the business or the family. But the call nags at you – yes, YOU – despite your excuses.

Has God ever gotten your attention? How have you tried to avoid, delay, or sidestep what you know, down deep, is the right thing to do?