Torah Reading: Exodus 6:2–9:35
Prophetic Reading: Ezekiel 28:25–29:21
In this week’s Torah portion, we find an encouraging message for those who feel inadequate before G-d. The truth is that every human being, whether aware of it or not, is inadequate to serve G-d. The most important thing to remember is that HaShem desires to use you.
Consider it this way: a great tennis player can accomplish remarkable things even with an inferior tennis racket. The human being is merely the racket; G-d is the One who truly performs the work. Once you and I understand that the outcome depends upon the sovereign G-d and not upon our own ability, our inadequacy is no longer an obstacle.
Earlier in the book of Exodus, the reader learns that Moses did not want to be the one HaShem would use to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. Once again, Moses objects and “reminds” G-d that he is not suitable for the task HaShem has assigned to him.
Why is this so?
Moses does not want to go to Pharaoh to speak with him because he is of uncircumcised lips. Moses says to HaShem:
“Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips; how then will Pharaoh listen to me?”
Exodus 6:30
Moses needed to learn that the power did not reside in himself, but in the words he was commanded to speak. In other words, truth possesses an anointed power that cannot be hindered, even by someone who is not eloquent.
Likewise, those who speak impressively, who master language and possess a pleasant voice, cannot compensate for a lack of spiritual substance. I would rather listen to someone struggling through John 3:16 than to the finest speaker delivering the most sophisticated presentation on climate change or the theory of human evolution.
Consider the words of Paul, who said that he was not sent to preach the Gospel according to human wisdom or with eloquence, lest the power of the cross be emptied of its effect (see 1 Corinthians 1:17).
The next time you sense that Yeshua is calling you to do something, do not first ask yourself, “Am I capable?” Instead, be certain that you are hearing His voice. If you are, He will supply what you lack. The only thing you must bring is a spirit of obedience, accompanied by much prayer.
