Moses: Questions Welcome

Before you start reading check out the above video by some creative Presbyterians in California and then check out their site: Belairdrama.  They are a unique group. 

I like this video; it gets the basic story across and points out some of the outrageous and ridiculous nature about the call of Moses. Also it's just funny and I like funny. However, it approaches the story of Moses call like most of interpreters would. Now, if you are not familiar with the story of Moses, here's the short version. Moses mother places Moses in a basket to keep him from dying and he is found by the royal family of Egypt and raised as an Egyptian. Moses grows up, learns is actually a Jew, part of the slave class of Egypt, he ends up killing an Egyptian and leaves town as a murderer and wanted man. Egypt is THE empire as far as anyone in that part of the world is concerned and they probably have a good memory for traitorous murders. So you can imagine Moses hesitation when he is told to go and set God's people free. So then, Moses questions, challenges, makes excuses, tries to push someone else forward, in short, he does all he can to avoid following God's will.

And so we pastors jump on this and tell folks that true faith and the truly faithful do not question God like this, but they trust God and in that trust all is well. So, good people, don't question God, just jump and go and all will be well as well. I have heard that preached and I have preached. But if you start to look at the actual biblical witness, well you find that might not be accurate. 

Isaiah gets called and says "I have unclean lips." Jonah gets called and has says "Have you met the Ninevehites?" And in the new testament as well, Jesus says, "the kingdom is God is like" and tells this awesome parable and the disciples listen and nod along and then after crowds leave as like "wait what?" Paul has to be struck blind and even then it takes years of struggle before he fully understands his mission and calling. Even Jesus asks "Father, can I avoid this whole crucifixion plan?" Before saying your will be done.

So if all these Godly people question God, and really I am just scratching the surface for the sake of time, perhaps then it's not such a sin after all. In fact perhaps it is part of the very nature of being called to question God about the call. Look at the story itself. The questions that Moses asks help the story to unfold and help Moses to understand how he fits into the work and the story his God and Creator is writing.

Moses asks who am I? And God gives Moses assurances of his own abilities and God's blessing and is given a clear goal of when the work is successful. Moses asks who are you and how we people know you have sent me? Remember now Moses is a not a lifelong Israelite, he doesn't have the religious education and background others might. Then God reveals himself and his identity is a very real fashion. God gives the Holy Name. Moses asks how can I possibly do this? God responds I will give you the words and ability. Moses finally says why not someone else? God responds with a little edge, don't think you are in this alone and don't think it's all about you sheepherder. This is bigger than one person.

So in very short order, through the very act of question and answer; argument and counter argument, Moses is given what he needs. He is given identity as God's chosen messenger, he is given assurance that he will have the gifts and power he needs. Moses is given an insight into the very nature of the One who calls him and he learns that while he may feel picked on and singled out he is part of a much bigger plan than even he can imagine. Moses is given a little bit of humility and that matters too. Identity, Assurance, Knowledge and Humility. Four gifts that are needed for him to do the work God is calling him to do. And if he had not asked, I wonder if he would have gotten there?

The good news is that God welcomes our questions, because it is in that act of argument and counterargument that we learn more about who we are, who God is and what exactly we are being called to do. The good news is that it's no sin to question God because it means we are exchanging and listening to what God is saying. The sinful thing would be to remain silent and refuse to hear anything new. To hear of new opportunities and new challenges, new ministry opportunities and new ideas and say "Nope! not interested! can't do it!  Not gonna risk it!" And then turn a deaf ear to whatever else God has to say. The sinful thing would be to rattle off our excuses about age, finances, weariness and numbers and then not hear what God has to say in response. But questioning, asking God directly and then waiting for answers, oh that's where the magic happens, that's where God's Spirit can really do some work and start a fire within us and our churches and our world. Not a fire that consumes but that shows God's might and power.

So I wonder as we imagine ourselves in this story or imagine this story happening in our lives, what questions would we ask of the God? Are we looking for a better understanding of our identity? Are we looking for assurance that God will be with us and has important work for us to do? Are seeking to know God better; know more about the one who created us and calls us? Or do we perhaps need some humility or rather to know we are not alone and the work is not all on our shoulders? Or do we need something completely different? I can't speak for you and tell you what that might be. But I can say this, if you don't ask, you'll never find out. Amen.