SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1343

“Go and Speak”

Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak. – Exodus 4:12

Have you ever been in a social setting where you felt compelled to speak the Truth of the Gospel, yet kept quiet?

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes; Do not quench the Spirit. – Romans 1:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:19

Has anyone ever questioned you about the validity of Christianity, yet you were at a loss for words to ‘defend the faith’?

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect – 1 Peter 3:15

In the Book of Exodus chapter 3 we read the account of Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush. Moses fled from Egypt being wanted for murder. For forty years he has lived in Midian as a shepherd, married, and started a family. Then God called him.

God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” – Exodus 3:4

Personal Reflection: In many respects we too have heard the call of God to come to faith in Jesus. It may have been a worship song, a church service altar call, through the reading of the Bible, or the witness of a friend. How did you …how are you responding to this call to faith and salvation?

Then there is the call of God to serve Him and fulfill His purpose and plan for our lives. How did you … how do you respond?

Excuses – Moses was comfortable in his life and God was calling him out of his comfort zone, so Moses made excuses.

But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” – Exodus 4:10

We know from God’s Word that Moses was indeed eloquent having been educated in Egypt.

And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and deeds. – Acts 7:22

Personal Reflection: Are we so comfortable in our lifestyle that we cringe and shy away from the call of God to serve or speak the Truth of His Word in contexts that make us feel uncomfortable? Is the limit of our Christian walk bound up within the four walls of our church fellowship? Do we not realize that we enter the mission field as soon as we leave the church parking lot or walk out of the door of our homes to go to work or walk the neighborhood? Are we willing to carry the light of Jesus with us in the darkness of the world that we live in but are not a part of?

It is Not About Us – God’s response to Moses and to us today, is that it is not about us, our own intellect, our own power, and eloquence. It is all about Him and being empowered by His Holy Spirit.

Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? – Exodus 4:11

Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. – Zechariah 4:6

Personal Reflection: Have you been baptized in the Holy Spirit? Do you seek a fresh infilling each day for His power, guidance, direction, and gifts of the Spirit to bear fruit for the Kingdom of God in all you say and do?

Listen for the Commitment – We are taught in management counseling for performance to actively ‘listen for the commitment’. So much that is spoken are excuses that have an underlying root commitment that is the driving force behind our actions and speech. Moses’ commitment was that he did not want to go. Period.

But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” – Exodus 4:13

Personal Reflection: What is your commitment level when God calls you to step out in faith and serve or speak the Truth of His Word? Do you say, ‘Send someone else?’ or do you seek boldness, power, and wisdom from His Holy Spirit to step out of your comfort zone?

The Lord Became Angry with Moses – Up to this point the Lord was merciful and gracious, answering all of Moses’ questions: Who am I?  Who shall I say sent me? What is His Name? Suppose they will not believe me? God answered all his questions and shows him miraculous signs that He will do through him to solidify his commission. But now, the root commitment that was driving all Moses’ questions is exposed and the Lord became angry.

Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses…. – Exodus 4:14

Personal Reflection: God’s anger is righteous anger. And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart – Mark 3:5 His purpose and plan will always prevail, with or without us. As a loving Father, He will discipline us in love. Will I freely and wholly commit my life to Him or tell Him, ‘No. Send someone else’?

Jesus Commissions Us

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you; All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – John 20:21; Matthew 28:18-20

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses… to the end of the earth. – Acts 1:8

Personal Reflection: Can I say with all honesty of heart, ‘I’ve witnessed the power, love and faithfulness of God and I am committed to tell what I’ve witnessed. He died for me. I will live for Him.’

I’ve Witnessed It – Bethel Music, Jen Johnson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHYpWwTJ0Ug