MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Exodus 3:11-12
MINISTERIAL TIMIDITY
I. It is sometimes occasioned by undue and depreciating thoughts of self. (Exodus 3:11.) By undue thought of our social position. “Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh?” Moses might imagine the need of social position, in order to obtain an interview with the King. Some of the best ministers of the gospel have come from the most humble scenes of social life. There are times in ministerial labour when good social position may aid the mission of truth and freedom—but it is not an absolute necessity. Men from the lower ranks of humanity may do as much to subdue the tyranny of a king, as the most refined aristocrat of the realm. A man of great soul, independent of social standing, may successfully accomplish a campaign against moral evil.
2. By undue thought of our intellectual weakness. “Who am I?” True, Moses was well educated—still his mental discipline would hardly appear to him as equal to the present crisis and undertaking. He would have to fall back upon his knowledge of the Egyptian court, and upon other matters, of important bearing on his mission. So, may ministers of to-day feel their inability to combat the error—scepticism—and refined sin of the age—through their lack of brain power. They have not had the advantages in their early days that even Moses had. Of what little information they possess, they make the best possible use. It requires a well disciplined mind to go to the Pharaohs of the world, and to demand efficiently the moral freedom of their slaves.
3. By undue thought of our moral inability. A man requires not only a strong mind—but much more, a strong soul—of devout impulse—large sympathy—and strong determination, to perform such a commission as that now given to Moses. Equally so, with the minister of Christ. And, when the true preacher looks into his heart in moments of depression, he feels his lack of great moral qualities—and cries, “Who am I,” &c.
II. That it is sometimes occasioned by an undue estimation of the difficulties of the work.
1. This may arise from the depressing experiences of youth. When young—living in the palaces of Pharaoh—Moses had striven to interrupt a quarrel between two Hebrews by referring them to the fact of their common brotherhood and suffering—he had been repulsed. No doubt a remembrance of this fact now lingered within his mind—as there are certain experiences that never leave us—they become the constant, and great educational influences of our souls. This reminiscence would give Moses to feel the difficulty of the task now imposed upon him. So, with ministers of the Gospel—it may be that the experiences of boyhood and younger manhood, have introduced an element of difficulty, perplexity, into their toil, that they almost shrink from the call.
2. This may arise from the removal of friendly aids. Moses once had friends in the court of Pharaoh—he was the adopted son of the King’s daughter—had he retained her friendship—it might have been of use to him now; but he had lost it by flight. So, it sometimes happens that ministers often lose earthly, accidental friendships, aids to the achievement of their mission, and hence their timidity as to its issue.
III. That it is sometimes occasioned by our not appreciating, as we ought, the Divine Presence and help.
1. The Divine Presence is our Guide. God would teach—guide Moses as to the best methods of approach to Pharaoh. So, the same Jehovah will equally guide all true ministers who are seeking the moral freedom of men. This guidance makes up for any scholastic deficiency—is our truest help.
2. The Divine Presence is our sustaining influence. It would sustain Moses under his memory of youthful failure to subdue the quarrel of the two Israelites. It would sustain him in the performance of all arduous toils—in the event of suffering—rebuff, either from Pharaoh—his courtiers—or his bondmen. So, the Divine Presence sustains the minister of Christ—under the bitter memories of past failure—misdirected effort—wanderings—loneliness—and opposition, from whatever source. But for this he would be unequal to the task for an hour.
3. The Divine Presence is our victory. It gave Moses an insight into the future history of Pharaoh—it enabled him to work miracles—it empowered his moral nature—rendered it superior to the conflict. So, with the minister of truth—though he cannot work miracles—the Divine Presence is the pledge of moral conviction in the minds of others—and of final victory.
IV. It should be removed by the hopes with which it is animated.
1. By the hope of achieving the freedom of a vast nation. Moses was to bring the children of Israel out of Egypt. So, it is the hope of the gospel ministry to bring the universe from under the reign of sin—to freedom—happiness—hope—what a sublime anticipation!
2. By the hope of leading a vast nation into the land of promise. Moses was to lead the Israelites into Canaan: (i.) Fertile. (ii.) Abundance. (iii.) Beauty. So, the minister of Christ has to lead men to heaven—this is the hope by which he is animated—and ought to subdue all timidity—and inspire him with holy joy.
SUGGESTIVE COMMENTS ON THE VERSES
Exodus 3:11. The man who in youth slew the Egyptian, and was willing to undertake the emancipation of his nation, now modestly shrinks from the task.
The power of increasing age—
1. To change the views.
2. To calm the temper.
3. To humble the soul.
No wonder that he so inquired. The message seemed to be much greater than the messenger. He works best who magnifies his office. Preachers, and all ministers of good, should see their work to be greater than themselves if they would work at the highest point of energy. Let a man suppose his work to be easy, to be unworthy of his talents, and he will not achieve much success [City Temple].
It is far better to partake of the spirit of Moses as manifested in this verse, than to too rashly seek the dignity and position of ministerial work.
Worth is modest: the proud man asketh, who am I not? [Trapp].
God may sometimes be denied by the best of men in their infirmity.
The best souls are apt to have the lowest thoughts of themselves for God’s work.
Visible difficulties in the Church may dishearten men to work.
The power of Egyptian oppressors may startle weak instruments of deliverance.
The redemption of men from the house of bondage is a startling fact.
Exodus 3:12. “Certainly I will be with thee.” The Divine companionship realised by the good in the service of the Christian life:—
I. It was considerate. Never did Moses more need the Divine companionship than in this exigency of toil. The work is great—he feels his inability for it—it is at the time of his weakness that the Divine companionship is promised. This promise will stand true for Christian workers during all time.
II. It was emphatic. “Certainly.” The promise—in tone—manner—could leave no doubt on the mind of Moses as to the likelihood of its fulfilment. Its emphasis satisfied his utmost requirement—left no room for doubt. So, now the promise of the Divine companionship is emphatic—becoming even more so by the accumulating experiences of the good.
III. It was sympathetic. “With thee.” Not I will follow thee—not I will go before thee—not I will be near thee—but with thee—as a companion to cheer thy soul; as a friend—to give thee counsel; as a God—to make thee victorious. How can a mission fail when God is with the worker. How refreshing to a timid soul is the sympathy of Heaven. Our sufficiency is of God.
THE GUARANTEE OF SUCCESS
I. “Certainly I will be with thee.” Then man is servant, not master. He should know his place, or he can never keep it. As servant—
1. He should consult his master.
2. Speak in the name of his master.
3. Be jealous of the honour of his master.
II. “Certainly I will be with thee.” Then the work must succeed. The guarantee of success:—
1. Not human cleverness.
2. Not skilful organisation.
3. But the word of the Lord. “My word shall not return unto Me void.”
III. Certainly I will be with thee. Then the servant is to be received for the master’s sake. “He that receiveth you, receiveth me.” The Romans were to receive Phebe in the Lord.
IV. “Certainly I will be with thee.” Then there need be no lack of grace or power. “I any man lack wisdom,” &c. “Lo, I am with you alway.” God is with His servants for,
1. Their comfort.
2. Justice.
3. Safety [City Temple].
“This shall be a token unto thee that I have sent thee.” Tokens that a minister is Divinely commissioned:—
1. That he reflects the light of heavenly vision.
2. That he is conscious, and his life gives evidence, of Divine companionship.
3. That he seeks to proclaim the name of God, as connected with the moral freedom of men.
4. That some amount of spiritual success attends his labours.
5. Sometimes special evidences of favour given in answer to prayer.
We render the highest honour to God when, relying on His proffered aid, we seek no ground of confidence out of Himself, when in the deep sense of our own impotence we count it enough that He is with us and for us [Bush].
God is not moved from His purpose by the objections of men.
To all human appearance Moses is to undertake the responsibility of this mission, whereas he is only a secondary agent. God is invisible.… God’s goodness satisfieth the plea of His unwilling instruments for His work.
God’s presence is always with those who are engaged in His redemptive work.
God will answer the objection, and solve the difficulties of His workers.
Redemption promised by God will surely be performed.
The worship and service of God is the great end of His people’s freedom.
The true worship of God in the place appointed by Him is the best return for deliverance.
ILLUSTRATIONS
Exodus 3:12. There is an excellent story of a young man that was at sea in a mighty, raging tempest, and when all the passengers were at their wits’ end for fear, he only was merry; and when he was asked the reason of his mirth, he answered that the pilot of the ship was his father, and he knew that his father would have a care of him. The great and wise God, who is our Father, hath from all eternity decreed what shall be the issues of all wars, what the event of all troubles. He is our pilot, He sits at the stern; and though the ship of the Church or State be in a sinking condition, yet be of good comfort, our pilot will have a care of us. There is nothing done in the lower House of Parliament on earth but what is first decreed in the higher house in heaven. All the lesser wheels are ordered and overruled by the upper. “Are not five sparrows,” saith Christ “sold for a farthing?” One sparrow is not worth half a farthing, and there is no man shall have half a farthing’s worth of harm more than God hath decreed from all eternity [Calamy’s Sermon].