Not by Your Own Strength
The beginning of the book of Exodus set the stage of an Egypt who does not remember Joseph and the hand of God which delivered them from times of famine. Jacob’s (Israel’s) children had grown into a numerous people from the 70 who settled in the region of Goshen. Rather than a people welcomed by Egypt, they became a people viewed in a suspicious manner. The pharaoh was openly concerned about their strength so he enslaved them. Enter Moses, who by the hand of God was chosen as a prophet (mouth piece) of the Almighty to deliver the people Israel out of captivity. This knowledge set in the mind, consider the following verse:
Exodus 4:10 – “And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither, heretofore, nor since thou has spoken unto thy servant; but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.”
Moses was concerned about his ability to deliver the people. His immediate view was upon himself, his abilities, and his own strength. Therefore, God declares the following in the next two verses:
Exodus 4:11-12 – “And the Lord said unto him, Who had made man’s mouth? Or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.”
This promise is parallel to the one the apostles received in the first century when addressed by Jesus in regard to how they would deliver the Gospel to mankind, freeing those held under the captivity of sin. Jesus made it clear that the Holy Spirit would provide the power, knowledge and words (from Christ, from God) that the apostles would share (John 14:25-26, 16:7-16, Acts 1:8). As with Moses, God made the apostles His mouthpiece. His Will would be accomplished with His Words.
The strength of God does not rely upon men or their ability.
Today, many Christians draw back in fear when faced with the thought of sharing God’s Will for mankind. As Moses, their perspective is drawn inward upon their own abilities rather than what God provides. God will not provide the miraculous knowledge and abilities He provided Moses and the apostles. Those days are gone. At that point in History, the gospel was but a mystery. It had not been revealed as it would be in the first century (Ephesians 1:9, 3:3-4). Because the Word of God has now been revealed, Christians have His Word in complete (Jude 3). Rather than rely upon self, Christians simply need to study (2 Timothy 2:15) and read “Book, Chapter, Verse” to reach the hearts and minds of the world. As with Moses this doesn’t have to be done in eloquence. As with the apostles, Christians don’t need a perfect memory to share all Christ had said. Christians have the Bible in their hands. They have the God breathed truth which completely enables man to provide the doctrine of Christ, the evidence to show its truth, the information to correct behavior, and the guidance to train a man or woman to do what is right in God’s eyes (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Who is that shall be saved? Salvation is for the one that does the right things which God has commanded (Matthew 7:21) written in the Holy Scripture. Fear be put aside when one equips himself with the Word of God (Ephesians 6).
God’s Will cannot be destroyed (Isaiah 40:8). His Will can reach the heart (Hebrews 4:12). His Will can save man’s soul (James 1:21). Keep your eyes upon His might, His power, His ability, His Truth, His Word, and do not focus or rely upon your own.