Who Am I?

Exodus 3:10-12 – "Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt." But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?" He said, "But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain." (ESV)

Here in England, we have had a bicentenary anniversary commemoration of the abolition of the slave trade on the 25th March 1807. Despite the hard work by William Wilberforce, I cannot but have mixed feelings concerning the bicentenary. For how can we celebrate the end of something that should not have been started in the first place? Nonetheless, history shows us that unless those with integrity stand up for the oppressed, powerful people can, and will, do anything, unless they are challenged. It is of interest to see how our different communities — local, national, and international — contend with the potentially divisive mixed messages broadcast worldwide.

It has reminded me of a past event recorded in the Bible when someone sought to exploit a group of people ruthlessly and mercilessly. What the Pharaoh had not perceived, however, was that this particular group of people had a champion who was not unable to deliver them!

Subsequent history is full of the examples of how godless people have sought, and succeeded in some cases, to exploit one group or another in various parts of the world.

I expect God is looking for those who are prepared to forsake their personal comforts and take a risk with their lives to go into their world and make a difference. As John Wimber has said in his DVD video "The Cost of Commitment" (published by Vineyard Music, Toronto, Ontario, Canada), faith is spelt R, I, S, K!

Moses was initially reluctant to obey and go to speak out for this oppressed assortment of people. Eventually, he relented and trusted in the authority and power of God to prevail.

I have been called to go where I am sent; presently this is to be where I am!

Where will we be with God today?

Prayer: Lord, we live in a world full of conflict, suffering, and greed. Forgive us when we have become a part of that, whether in thought, word, or deed. Grant us the grace to be able to see where the need is today, and enable us to make the difference, even if it is a little bit scary, because we ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

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