Genesis 4:13 But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”
“Please send someone else.” I can imagine many people saying these words in this present moment in life. Healthcare workers, shear exhaustion. Republican politicians. COVID 19 outcome predictors. There are times when all of us want someone else to go in our place.
I remember when I was told I was going to go to Iraq for OIF1, the initial invasion. My heart yelled, “Please send someone else.” I did not want to go. I did go, and they turned out to be some of the darkest days of my entire life. Even now I wish I hadn’t gone.
Sometimes leaders have the same feelings and struggles as everyone else. Moses was being called to become the leader of Israel, a ragtag group of shepherds turned brick making slaves. He wasn’t a natural born leader. In fact, he was a very reluctant leader, as our text demonstrates.
Even with the LORD performing personal miracles for him, Moses was still hesitant to obey. Moses has the LORD speaking directly to him, confirming the promises given to their ancestors, and yet he still hesitates. This is not my idea of an ideal leader.
But there is another leader who is portrayed in this account, Pharaoh. Moses might have been reluctant, but Pharaoh is stubborn and hardhearted. Moses does what the LORD says, even though he is slow to get board. Pharaoh, on the other hand, consistently hardens his own heart in rebellion against the clear intervention of the LORD.
I would much rather be a Moses than a Pharaoh! They are both leaders, but their leadership styles are very different from each other. And the outcomes are very different. Moses leads the LORD’s people out of slavery and guides them in very difficult times. Pharaoh remains stubborn and it costs him his firstborn son.
Are you reluctant to obey the LORD? I mean, are you holding back right now from doing what the LORD is calling you to do because of some fear you have? Is COVID 19, and the fear of sickness and death, standing in the way of your obedience? Does the task seem to be too large for you shoes?
Another great leader from Israel’s heritage was Isaiah. When the LORD offered him a job her responded, “Here I am, send me.” (Isaiah 6:8) Just before this statement, Isaiah was confronted with the holiness of the LORD and his own unacceptable condition. His honesty and humility resulted in the LORD cleansing him and a job offer.
“Please send someone else.” “Here I am, send me.” How do you want to respond when the LORD speaks your name? You have the choice.
The Arnold Journey 