[Moses] Before We are Ready to Speak, We Have to be Available

Let’s say you’ve got a GIGANTIC problem.
And – lucky you – I happen to be the world’s foremost expert in solving that problem. And you’ve got my personal phone number.
As the meltdown begins, you rush to your phone and call me. I’m the only one you know who knows how to fix it, and I am 100% capable of helping you do just that.

Except I don’t answer your call.
You hear that pleasant little voicemail recording: “The person at the number you dialed is unavailable right now.”
I may have all the answers, but that’s absolutely unhelpful to you if I’m not available.

That’s a bit like Moses in the story of the burning bush in Exodus.

Moses, a Hebrew raised in the palace of Egypt, grew up with the best possible education of the day. He was equipped with all the knowledge and competencies available to any living humans.

And Moses was being prepared for legacy. That means he was coached in the art of communicating his ideas well. Those in power empowered  their offspring to use their power, which included using their voice for influence. Sometimes for good. Sometimes for evil. Moses would have gotten plenty of this expert training.

So Moses is – technically – ready to speak.

But when he runs away from home and sees the burning bush, we realize there is more to the story. In Exodus 3, God tells Moses, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt” and commands him to go do something about it. He promises to be with Moses.

As we read on and into Exodus 4, we see Moses argue with God, armed with a series of “what ifs.” Who am I to go save the Israelites? What if they challenge my testimony? What if they don’t listen to me? What if I can’t speak eloquently?

The dialogue that follows is some incredibly powerful stuff when you’re looking at our call to communicate for Christ. We could fill up pages of commentary on this short conversation. But one thing we see in Moses is the lack of something integral to being ready to speak.

Even though he has a voice and technically knows what to do, he isn’t willing. He isn’t available.

Being ready to speak requires both ability and availability. To be able isn’t helpful when we’re unavailable. When we look around and see the suffering in the world, the need for Jesus, it’s our calling to do this one thing – be available and prepared to speak life.

Just like that example with your GIGANTIC problem – you never know what your availability, or lack thereof, could mean for others.

Ability and availability. Being ready means being both.

This fall, join us for the world premiere of our new conference experience, Ready to Speak. These two-day online and in-person experiences will empower you and your students to lives out our calling in 1 Peter 3:15:

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.