Called, Equipped, and Sent

Text: Exodus 3:11–4:17 (NKJV)

Theme: God equips and empowers those He calls, overcoming their doubts to fulfill His redemptive purpose.

Introduction:

When God calls us to His work—whether to lead, serve, or step out in faith—we often respond with doubts, like Moses did when commissioned to deliver Israel from Egypt. In Exodus 3:11–4:17, we see Moses’ five objections and God’s gracious responses, revealing a pattern for how God addresses our insecurities. This passage assures us that God’s call comes with His provision, enabling us to trust and obey.

I. Questioning Competence: Moses’ Doubt of Self (Exodus 3:11–12)

Explanation of the Text:

Context:

Israel had grown into a vast number, a nation but were enslaved and harshly oppressed.

In their anguish they cried out to God for deliverances.

In Exodus 3, God appears to Moses in the burning bush, calling him to confront Pharaoh and free the Israelites from slavery.

Exodus 3:10 NKJV

Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.”

Current Text:

Exodus 3:11–12 NKJV

But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” So He said, “I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”

Moses’ response expresses feelings of inadequacy rooted in his past as a fugitive (Exodus 2:15) and his current role as a humble shepherd.

In his mind, at 80 years old and 40 years removed from Pharaoh’s court, there is little chance that anyone would listen to him.

He had doubts

Grammatical-Historical Insight:

The Hebrew phrase “Who am I” (mi ’anoki) conveys genuine self-doubt, not just humility.

God’s reply, “I will be with you” (3:12), uses the verb ’ehyeh (I AM), echoing His self-revelation in 3:14.

This promise of divine presence counters Moses’ insecurity, and the “sign” of future worship on the mountain assures success. Historically, Moses’ fear reflects his awareness of Egypt’s power and his own lowly status.

Illustration:

Moses ins’t unuiqe. God equips and helps those He calls. Another example is Gideon (Judges 6–7).

Gideon was called by God to deliver Israel from Midianite oppression, but he doubted his ability, saying, “My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family” (Judges 6:15). He sought confirmation through signs, like the fleece test (Judges 6:36–40), showing his hesitation and fear. God patiently reassured him, provided signs, and empowered him with the Spirit (Judges 6:34). Despite his initial self-doubt, Gideon led a small army of 300 to defeat the Midianites, relying on God’s strength and guidance.

God equips those who feel inadequate to fulfill His purpose.

Application for Today’s World:

Christological Connection:

Jesus, as Immanuel (“God with us,” Matthew 1:23), fulfills God’s promise of presence, delivering humanity from sin’s bondage (John 8:36). His assurance, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20), extends God’s promise to all believers.

When you feel inadequate for God’s call—whether to serve in church, share your faith, or take on a new responsibility—trust that God’s presence is enough.

Practical Steps:

Write down your fears about a specific calling and counter them with Scriptures about God’s presence (e.g., Joshua 1:9).

Joshua 1:9 NKJV

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Seek a mentor to affirm God’s work in you. Pray daily for confidence in God’s sufficiency.

II. Questioning Authority: Moses’ Doubt of Credibility (Exodus 3:13–22)

Explanation of the Text:

Context:

Exodus 3:13–14 NKJV

Then Moses said to God, “Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?” And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ”

Moses fears the Israelites won’t believe he speaks for God.

God reveals His name, “I AM WHO I AM” (3:14), and instructs Moses to assure the elders of His plan to deliver Israel

This revelation of God’s name was a defining moment in Israel’s history, anchoring their trust in His power.

V. 14 The name YHWH (I AM) emphasizes God’s eternal, self-existent nature and covenant faithfulness, contrasting with Egypt’s gods.

Details:

Exodus 3:16–22 NKJV

Go and gather the elders of Israel together, and say to them, ‘The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared to me, saying, “I have surely visited you and seen what is done to you in Egypt; and I have said I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, to a land flowing with milk and honey.” ’ Then they will heed your voice; and you shall come, you and the elders of Israel, to the king of Egypt; and you shall say to him, ‘The Lord God of the Hebrews has met with us; and now, please, let us go three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God.’ But I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not even by a mighty hand. So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My wonders which I will do in its midst; and after that he will let you go. And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be, when you go, that you shall not go empty-handed. But every woman shall ask of her neighbor, namely, of her who dwells near her house, articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing; and you shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.”

The detailed instructions (3:16–22) show God’s sovereignty over Israel’s response and Pharaoh’s resistance, grounding Moses’ credibility in divine authority.

God gives Moses details about Pharoah’s resistance and God’s granting of victory to Israel. God foretold that they would plunder Egypt and that very thing happened!

Christological Connection: J

John 8:58 NKJV

Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”

This revelation of God’s name is why Jesus’ enemies reacted so strong when He said Jn 8:58

Like Moses, Jesus faced questions about His authority (Matthew 21:23), but His miracles and resurrection validated His mission. Believers can trust Christ’s authority in their calling.

Illustration:

Scriptural Example: In Acts 4:8–12, Peter, an “unschooled” fisherman, boldly proclaims Christ’s authority before the Sanhedrin, empowered by the Holy Spirit. His confidence, like Moses’, came from God’s backing, not human credentials.

Acts 4:8–12 NKJV

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Application for Today’s World:

When others question your credibility in sharing faith or leading, rely on God’s authority. Like Moses, you carry the name of the great I AM.

III. Questioning Effectiveness: Moses’ Doubt of Ability (Exodus 4:1–9)

Explanation of the Text:

Context: Moses objects, (4:1).

Exodus 4:1 NKJV

Then Moses answered and said, “But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you.’ ”

He doubts his ability to convince others.

God provides three signs:

the staff turning into a snake,

the leprous hand,

water turning to blood

Exodus 4:2–9 NKJV

So the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A rod.” And He said, “Cast it on the ground.” So he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it. Then the Lord said to Moses, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail” (and he reached out his hand and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand), “that they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.” Furthermore the Lord said to him, “Now put your hand in your bosom.” And he put his hand in his bosom, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous, like snow. And He said, “Put your hand in your bosom again.” So he put his hand in his bosom again, and drew it out of his bosom, and behold, it was restored like his other flesh. “Then it will be, if they do not believe you, nor heed the message of the first sign, that they may believe the message of the latter sign. And it shall be, if they do not believe even these two signs, or listen to your voice, that you shall take water from the river and pour it on the dry land. The water which you take from the river will become blood on the dry land.”

God was demonstrating His power to validate Moses’ mission.

That would get Israel’s and Pharaoh’s attention!

Grammatical-Historical Insight:

These signs directly challenge Egyptian magic (e.g., snakes symbolized Pharaoh’s power) and affirm God’s supremacy.

The staff, a shepherd’s tool, becomes a divine instrument, showing God transforms ordinary things for His purpose.

The signs address Moses’ fear of failure, proving God ensures effectiveness.

Christological Connection:

God often used signs to ensure effectiveness. The signs prefigure Jesus’ miracles, which authenticated His mission (John 10:37–38).

John 10:37–38 NKJV

If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.”

Even today, as we study the Scriptures these signs authenticate His word!

We can trust God to work through our limitations.

Illustration:

World Vision: As a faith-based organization, World Vision aimed to reach over 1 million Kenyans with clean water between 2021 and 2025. In 2024, they continued their work by constructing water and sanitation facilities, training communities on hygiene, and engaging faith leaders to advocate for clean water. Their efforts focus on marginalized groups, particularly women and girls, to improve access to WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) resources

God uses the small gifts of many people to work together to improve many lives in Kenya

He can use us in His work as well.

As the old song goes, “LIttle is much if God is in it!”

Application for Today’s World:

You may doubt your skills or resources for God’s work. Trust that God can use your “staff”—your talents or opportunities—to accomplish His purpose.

Practical Steps:

Identify one skill or resource you have (e.g., time, creativity) and dedicate it to God in prayer.

Volunteer for a ministry or community project to see God amplify your efforts.

IV. Questioning Eloquence: Moses’ Doubt of Speech (Exodus 4:10–12)

Explanation of the Text:

Exodus 4:10–12 NKJV

Then Moses said to the Lord, “O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” So the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord? Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.”

Context:

God responds to Moses’ protest of being ineloquent, “Who gave human beings their mouths?… Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say” (4:11–12), affirming His role as Creator and enabler.

Grammatical-Historical Insight:

The Hebrew k’vad peh (“slow of speech”) suggests difficulty, not necessarily a disability.

God’s rhetorical questions emphasize His sovereignty over human limitations, and His promise to “help” and “teach” assures direct assistance. This exchange shows God equips those He calls, regardless of weaknesses.

Christological Connection:

Jesus, the Word made flesh (John 1:14), empowers His disciples, like the once-fearful Peter (Acts 2), with the Holy Spirit to speak boldly.

Believers can rely on Christ’s Spirit to overcome communication struggles.

Illustration:

Story: John, a shy believer, feared sharing his faith at work due to his quiet nature. Through prayer and practice in a small group, he found God gave him words to share authentically, much like Moses received divine help to speak to Pharaoh.

Application for Today’s World:

If you feel ill-equipped to speak for God—whether sharing faith or leading—trust that the Creator of your mouth will give you words and wisdom.

Practical Steps:

Practice sharing your testimony in a safe setting to build confidence.

Pray Psalm 19:14,

Psalm 19:14 NKJV

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

V. Questioning Willingness: Moses’ Doubt of Obedience (Exodus 4:13–17)

Exodus 4:13–17 NKJV

But he said, “O my Lord, please send by the hand of whomever else You may send.” So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and He said: “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well. And look, he is also coming out to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. Now you shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth. And I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and I will teach you what you shall do. So he shall be your spokesman to the people. And he himself shall be as a mouth for you, and you shall be to him as God. And you shall take this rod in your hand, with which you shall do the signs.”

Explanation

Context:

Moses pleads, “Please send someone else” (4:13),

This plea (sh’lach na b’yad tishlach, “send by the hand you will send”) shows resistance despite God’s assurances.

He is revealing reluctance to obey.

God’s anger reflects His expectation of obedience, but His provision of Aaron demonstrates mercy.

The staff’s mention reinforces Moses’ authority, showing God’s commitment to His plan.

Christological Connection:

Moses’ reluctance contrasts with Jesus’ perfect obedience, saying, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to empower believers (Acts 1:8), just as God sent Aaron to support Moses, enabling obedience.

Illustration:

Scriptural Example: In Jonah 1, Jonah resists God’s call to Nineveh, fleeing in disobedience. God’s pursuit and provision (Jonah 2) mirror His patience with Moses, showing He works through reluctant servants to accomplish His will.

Application for Today’s World:

You may hesitate to follow God’s call due to fear or comfort. Trust that God provides His Spirit and community to help you obey.

Conclusion:

Summary: In Exodus 3:11–4:17, God overcomes Moses’ doubts about competence, credibility, ability, eloquence, and willingness, equipping him to deliver Israel.

Likewise, God addresses our insecurities, providing His presence, authority, power, Spirit, and community to fulfill His call.

Call to Action: When God calls you, trust His provision over your doubts. Step out in faith, knowing the great I AM equips and sends you for His purpose.

Closing Prayer