(Editor's Note: This is the third in the series of articles by Dr. Theodore Kalivoda on the shortcomings of Bible characters. The article is written for exclusive use on the Grace Community Chapel website.)
Moses had a spectacular encounter with God — hearing God speak through a burning bush. That message directed him to go to Egypt to lead the Israelites out of captivity (Ex. 3:10). One would think that with such divine communication Moses would have responded without wavering. God even performed two miracles in his sight to convince him of God's available power - turning the staff into a snake, and causing Moses' hand to become temporarily leprous (Ex. 4). But no, Moses exhibited insecurity, first in wondering if the Israelites would listen to him (v.13), and then in questioning whether Pharaoh would pay him any attention (4:1). He may have had flashbacks of his former life in Egypt — how he had incurred the wrath of the royalty as well as the scorn of the Israelites. Finally, he sought an excuse by citing his lack of articulation. He was not a good speaker, he claimed, so please God, "send someone else" (4:13). Excuses, excuses. Isn't this God, the all-powerful one, who was speaking to him? God had reminded him of it (3:5-6). What sense does it make to limit God in accomplishing his purpose?
We often do the same. We have encounters with our Lord - through the Bible as well as through other circumstances. He communicates and blesses through those events. Yet we forget. We limit him. We think we have to rely in part on our own abilities to accomplish his bidding. I can't help but chide Moses with a bit of sarcasm –"Moses, you dummy. What kind of game are you playing? God, the all-powerful, King of the Universe, is speaking to you. Can't you understand that when he gives instructions he will provide the resources to get it done?"
That's all water under the bridge regarding Moses. But how about us? Are we beset with the idea that we lack the skills to fulfill God's directives?
Aaron, Moses' co-laborer, likewise showed himself foolish. Only his blunder was more outrageous - he acquiesced to the peoples' request to make a golden calf to worship. Returning from his encounter with God in the mountain, Moses was stunned, to put it mildly. How could Aaron be so stupid as to cooperate with this insane act? Aaron's reply? "I told them, ‘Whosoever has any gold jewelry, take it off.' Then they gave me the gold, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf" (Ex.32:24). What an incredible statement! — "Out came this calf"
The message for us might well be about compromise, that is, giving in to placate others in spite of the evil nature of their request. Surrendering might make us appear congenial and considerate but at the same time devastating with regards to discriminating between right and wrong. Sometimes we must accept unpopularity by standing for truth.
Ted will be happy to respond to any comments or questions from readers via E-Mail: 
