On the surface, Moses’ objections seem to be about himself; however, they are actually questions about God. Specifically, Moses’ objections are about the presence, identity, power, and sovereignty of God.
“Who Am I?” God’s response notes that Moses’ identity is not the issue. The real issue is can Moses trust that God will be with him. The question is never about your skill; it is about the presence of God. So what Moses is actually saying is “has God really called me, will he be faithful, or will he drop me?”
“I Don’t Know Your Name.” The real issue here is God’s identity: his divine character. There is a mystery beyond information. The meaning of this name is that this Being is intensely real, in every circumstance and in every situation. He is the one being in all reality who is not contingent, dependent, or needy. Humans are contingent. No man or woman can say, “I am,” but God can. God’s response includes a subject (“I”) and a verb (“am”), but is missing an object. An object defines and limits the subject. In a sense, the object hems the subject in, not only by defining what the subject is, but also identifying what it cannot be. However, with God, there is no object. Nothing limits God or hems Him in. “God is,” and he cannot be defined by human reason or limited by human explanation. God is outside of time, outside of limitation, and outside of contingency. The issue is not what does Moses know, but who is the God that sends him.
“I Have No Power.” The real issue here is does God have the power to pull this off. God’s response comes as a question: “What is in your hand?” Many people are identified by their jobs. When two people (and especially men) get together, their first question is “What do you do?” Moses’ response was “my staff, it is my job, it is me.” God responded by commanding Moses to “throw it down.” Can you imagine his response? “Okay God, if you want a nothing.” To Moses’ surprise, upon hitting the ground, his stick became a snake. “Pick it up Moses, by the tail.” Perhaps Moses could get out of this Egypt trip. “Okay God, I can’t go to Egypt if I get bitten by a snake.” Moses reached down, and much to his great surprise, found that the snake had become his staff again! God says, “I can use you in spite of your small view of yourself.” The very same lesson came with Moses’ hand. God says, “I can use your hands.” However, before God can use us, we must be willing to lay down our inabilities and pick up his abilities.
“I Cannot Speak Well.” Here, Moses is actually questioning God’s sovereignty. God asks, “Who made your mouth?” It is fascinating that there is no big, dramatic ending; the only issue is whether Moses will obey. The question is not whether you have some big closure; the question is, will you obey?
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