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EXODUS 3:11, 13; 4:1, 10, 13

"THE RELUCTANT SERVANT"

Intro: Moses' life divided into 3,  40-year periods. The story we consider today took place
       at the end of the 2nd 40.

I. THE CALL OF GOD TO MOSES.
        A. The burning  bush.
        B. The commission of God, "I will sent thee to Pharaoh."

II. THE OBJECTIONS OF MOSES.
        A. No ability vs. 11.
                1. Who am I?
                2. We have concept that God conducting talent search.
                        a. Natural ability can sometimes be the greatest hindrance to
                           spiritual service.
                        b. God looking for willing instrument.
        B. Message vs. 13.
                1. "That shall I say unto them?"
        C. No authority 4:1.
                1. "They will no believe me or hearken unto my voice.
                        a. Fear of rejection or failure on of the hindrances of launching
                           into service.
                        b. How Satan tries to discourage us with this specter of failure.
        D. No Eloquence 4:10.
                1. "O Lord I am not eloquent."
                        a. Certainly the Lord only uses eloquent people.
                        b. Paul said to Corinthians, "I came not with the excellency of
                           speech or man's wisdom."
        E. No Inclination 4:13.
                1. He was not saying OK Lord, I will go.
                2. Find someone else.

III. GOD'S ANSWERS TO MOSES' OBLIGATIONS.
        A. No ability, "I will be with thee." vs. 12.
                1. If I am sure I can do it myself, He is prone to let me try.
                2. If I am conscious of my weakness yet willing to go in faith, He will be
                   with me.
        B. No message. God gave revelation of His name Jehovah.
                1. I AM THAT I AM. "Who is, who was, who is to come."
        C. No authority.
                1. Rod. {Omnipotent  power
                2. Leprous hand. {Will be demonstrated}
                3. Water of river.
        D. No eloquence, "I will be with thy mouth."
        E. No inclination, "The anger of the Lord kindled against Moses."
                1. Send your brother with you.
                2. Moses missed God's best now must settle for second best.

IV. GOD HAS A PLACE OF MINISTRY FOR EACH OF US.
        A. What is your excuse?
                1. Too busy - no time.
                        a. Friend with mumps.
                2. No talent.
                3. No eloquence.
        B. These were all excuses. Moses finally got to the reason - no desire.