Scary Calls and Hard Consequences

Categories: uncategorized

Date: 09 February 2011 14:07:20

Moses was left yesterday in the middle of a conversation with God where he was getting a scary call from God. Today (Exodus 4: 1 - 6:12) it develops. He is scared that people won't believe God has called him. (The they'll think I'm nuts kind of idea?). So God gave Moses a sign. The sign wasn't for Moses, it was for other people, who needed to test his call.

First pause for breath and question - does God still give us signs to show others we have been called? I mean most of us won't have the dodgy hand thing, but what other signs does God use? Sticking my line on the neck here (and only wanting FB message replies from those who know me well), can anybody see God doing anything in my life that you might see as a sign I'm not going nuts on what the future might hold? I know it's probably annoying bits of the coming months will be in code, but there are situations where you need to share and chat, but it needs doing in the right way. I have decided this semi-public but slightly coded way is the right way to choose in this case.

My blog is a way I do alot of my reflection, but equally I don't the whole world to know everything and so I will be using FB messaging, statusing and the blog as a kind of triangle system over coming months if things head in the way they may well do. Those amongst you who have the fainest idea about these things will be able to read through any lines straight away and if you do I welcome appropriate comments on the blog if you're not a FB friend.

Back to the passage. Moses is aware of his weaknesses and "issues" but at times uses these more as an excuse. Genuine fear seems mixed with wanting to pass the buck. When God says he will help Moses overcome the issue (note not take it away) Moses persists in trying to get God to choose somebody else. In fact he almost pleads with God not me. As somebody who spent so long saying to God, (and wanting to scream to other people), "what part of all this do you not get?...I am who I am which precludes me from what you're asking me to do" I sympathise with Moses.

In the mist of this God is telling Moses he has a choice but there is a definate path that he should be taking.

Then we get to a bit which leaves me screaming WTF and do I want to be a public representative for this God. Firstly, God intentionally hardens Pharao's heart and then in his anger he is ready to kill Moses but then changes his mind when there is a circumcision and the foreskin touches his feet. Now, reading ahead I can get asfar as God wanted to show that it was He not Moses who was freeing them.....but the rest of it. As I say I am totally left with WTF.

Whilst people initially believed Moses their persecution increased as a result of his actions. They then got angry and upset with him because of what happened when he was doing God's will.

Another thing in the story was that Moses did not go back to Egypt until those wanting to kill him had died. This suggests that God has perfect timing and sometimes the right thing to do is wait.

Matt 26: 31 - 46 was moving. It was Jesus predicting his death, Peter wanting to show his loyalty and then Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsemene. During this prayer Jesus makes it clear that he wants to go with God's plan not his. In reaction to the sleeping disciples Jesus explains that sometimes the spirit is willing but physically we're not just up to it. Thus the medical side of any testing of call is important. We might be totally up for something but just not able to do it because of our humaness.

There comes a time though, as with Jesus in the Garden, when we all face a decision whether to go with God's will or not. I think I might be at one of those places now.

Proverbs 4:10-19  was basically about keeping hold of Wisdom.

Another day when I wished I'd got an A4 day to view diary rather than an A5.