Major W. Ian Thomas (1914–2007, founder of Capernwray Bible school) described his new faith as keeping him “very busy.” Thinking he had to live for Jesus in his own strength, his energy soon dwindled, and out of sheer frustration he nearly quit. Yet that turned out to be the turning point of his Christian life: “I learned to say, ‘Lord Jesus, I can’t, You never said I could; but You can, and always said You would. That is all I need to know.’”
Moses had to learn the same thing about God. Having fled from Egypt, he lived in self-imposed exile while the enslaved Israelites continued to suffer. So Moses didn’t feel like he was a good fit for the rescue mission God called him to.
He asked God, “Who am I that I should go?” (Exodus 3:11). “What if they do not believe me?” (4:1). And, “I have never been eloquent” (v. 10). In every excuse, Moses said, “I can’t.” Yet God responded, “I will be with you” (3:12); He revealed His powerful, all-encompassing name (v. 14 ); He promised, “I will help you speak” (4:12). Each time God assured him, “But I can!”
Today, if we’re tempted to say, “I can’t,” we can listen for God’s, “But I can.” Then we too will be ready for life as “the adventure that God always intended it to be,” as Major Thomas reflected.
By Chris Wale
REFLECT & PRAY
Where might you be coming to the end of your strength? How can you draw aside to listen to God’s reassuring voice today?
Thank You, Lord, that just as my salvation is from You, so too is the strength to live in each moment.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The assurance of God’s presence with Moses and the children of Israel is conveyed in a Hebrew word—hayah—used four times in today’s reading. In verse 12 it’s translated, “I will be with you.” This rather complex word is also the personal, covenant name of Israel’s God. Three times the word is translated “I am” in verse 14. When used as a personal noun, “Yahweh” is an acceptable rendering. In most English Bible versions when the word “Lord” appears in capital letters, it’s a translation of hayah, which speaks of God’s eternal existence.
John 1:14 records that the eternal Word of God “became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” Also in John’s gospel, Jesus identified Himself as the eternal Son through “I am” statements, including His bold statement, “Before Abraham was born, I am!” (8:58).
Arthur Jackson
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