The Explanation

Moses stood in the desert with a big problem. God had just told him to go to Pharaoh and set his people free. But Moses said, "They will not believe me. They will say Yahweh has not appeared to you."

God asked him, "What is that in your hand?"

"A rod," said Moses. Just an ordinary shepherd's stick.

"Throw it on the ground," God said. Moses did, and the rod became a snake right there in the sand. Moses ran away from it, fast. Then God told him to grab it by the tail. Moses reached out his hand, took hold of it, and it was a rod again in his hand.

God gave Moses another sign too. Moses put his hand inside his cloak, and when he pulled it out, his hand was white as snow, covered with sickness. He put it back in, and it was healthy again. God even gave a third sign, turning river water to blood on dry ground.

Moses still argued. "I am not eloquent," he said. "I am slow of speech." God answered, "Who made man's mouth? Isn't it I, Yahweh? Go, and I will be with your mouth." But Moses said, "Please send someone else." Then God's anger burned against Moses, and he gave him his brother Aaron to speak for him.

So Moses took his wife and sons, and set them on a donkey, and took God's rod in his hand. On the way, something frightening happened. Yahweh met Moses at a resting place and wanted to kill him. Zipporah, his wife, quickly took a flint and did what needed to be done for their son, and Moses was spared.

Aaron went out to meet Moses at God's mountain, and kissed him. Moses told him everything. Together they gathered the elders of Israel, and Aaron did the signs before the people. The people believed. They bowed their heads and worshiped.

What Does This Mean?

Moses was afraid. He felt weak, and his words got stuck in his throat. But God did not need a hero with a strong voice. God needed someone willing to go, even while shaking. The signs were not just tricks. They were proof: this ordinary shepherd was sent by the real God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The Common Thread

God always keeps his promises to his people, even generations later. He had promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that he would not forget them, and now he was acting. Much later, God would send another one who felt weak and alone before facing something terrifying, Jesus in the garden before the cross. Like Moses, Jesus obeyed, even though it was hard. And because of Jesus, we know God always finishes what he starts.

For You

Maybe you feel too small or too scared to do something God is asking of you. Maybe it is being kind to someone nobody likes, or telling the truth when it is hard. Moses felt exactly that way. You do not need to feel brave. You just need to go, because God says he will be with your mouth, and with you.

Talk About It

Why do you think Moses kept saying "send someone else"?

Has God ever asked you to do something that felt too big or scary?

Praying Together

Dear God, sometimes we feel small and scared, just like Moses did. Thank you that you do not need us to be strong first. Help us to go and obey, even when it feels hard. Thank you that you are always with us. Amen.