Exodus 4: Moses Given His Divine Assignment

Introduction:  An Inspirational Look at Exodus 4, as we dissect the fourth chapter of Exodus and its profound theological implications. It unveils God’s omnipotence and His ability to use the least likely to fulfill His divine purposes. God, in His infinite wisdom, equips those He calls with the necessary tools to accomplish His divine mandate. This revelation, well entrenched in Exodus 4, is vibrantly alive in other parts of the Bible.

I. Exodus 4:1-5 – God’s Assurance to Moses

The first section depicts Moses’ doubt about his ability to convince the Israelites of God’s plan due to his lack of eloquence (Exodus 4:10). However, God reassures him by transforming his staff into a snake and back into a staff, demonstrating His power (Exodus 4:3-4). This mirrors the encounter between Gideon and God, where God reassures Gideon of his victory over the Midianites (Judges 6:16).

II. Exodus 4:6-9 – Miracles as Confirmation of Divine Presence

God gives Moses a second sign, turning his hand leprous and then restoring it (Exodus 4:6-7). He also assures Moses of a third sign; turning the water of the Nile into blood, to confirm His divine presence (Exodus 4:9). This is comparable to Elijah’s encounter on Mount Carmel, where God confirms His presence through fire (1 Kings 18:38).

III. Exodus 4:10-17 – God’s Equipments for His Assignments

Despite Moses’ self-deprecating response about his apparent lack of eloquence (Exodus 4:10), God, in His infinite wisdom, assures Moses that He is responsible for human ability and will equip him accordingly (Exodus 4:11-12). This is reminiscent of Jeremiah’s call, where despite his youth, God assures him of His enabling power (Jeremiah 1:7-8).

IV. Exodus 4:18-31 – The Confirmation of the Divine Assignment

In the concluding verses, Moses obeys God, embarks on the divine assignment, and witnesses the people’s belief and worship (Exodus 4:31). This mirrors Paul’s experience on his missionary journeys, where he witnessed the Gentiles turning to Christ (Acts 13:48).

Conclusion: Exodus 4 unequivocally unveils God’s divine power. It shows us that God’s calling comes with His equipping. Even when our abilities seem inadequate, God, in His infinite wisdom and power, uses us for His divine purposes. As evident in Exodus 4, our limitations are opportunities for God to display His transcendence. Each episode in this chapter — God’s reassurances to Moses, His manifestation of power through signs, and the eventual obedience of Moses — all point to a God who is actively involved in the affairs of His people. The chapter thus serves as an inspiration and reminder of God’s unchanging nature and His ever-present readiness to equip and use those who are willing for His glory.