But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11, NKJV).
Moses – what a man. What a leader too. With nearly two million who have seen the stage productions in Branson, Missouri, or Lancaster, Pennsylvania, your chance to see the filmed version may be near you for the next few days.
Certainly, Moses is one of the most interesting and most integral men in God’s Old Testament narrative. I’ve always been captivated by the highs and lows, the emotions and fears, the victories and disappointments he must have encountered during his walk with God.
At the mention of his name, the first big story that comes to my mind is his leadership of God’s people through the wilderness. But then, my mind wanders back to consider his life.
He must have wondered what Mama was doing, putting him in a basket in the river. But it saved his life. He was raised in the royal household – ironically by his own mother. And he was privileged as a member of Pharaoh’s family.
Grieved by the bondage of his people, provoked to murder and flee, he spent 40 years as a shepherd. Then he was called by God through a miracle, a burning bush, to return to Egypt and lead God’s people out of slavery.
Creative excuses, God’s responses
Here’s where I personally connect with Moses – in how he fought against God’s call (Genesis 3-4).
First, he gave God this excuse: “I’m a nobody. I’m no leader.” But God promised to be with him.
Second, Moses said, “But who will I tell them sent me to be their leader?” That’s when we hear God’s famous line: “Tell them I AM has sent me to you.”
Next, Moses asked God, “What if they won’t believe me?” And God told Moses to throw his walking stick on the ground. He did. (More miracles, anyone?) The stick became a snake! Moses took off running, but God told him to come back and pick up the snake. He did. And it turned back into a walking stick.
But Moses still didn’t give up trying to escape God’s call.
A fourth time he resisted by reminding God, “Well, God, you know I don’t speak in front of crowds.” But God said, “I’ll tell you what to say.”
Moses was persistent, but this strength was becoming a weakness as he tries again!
Moses tried a fifth, desperate plea anyway: “Please, please, please, God, send someone else.” Though angry with Moses by this point, God reaffirmed that He would go with him. Finally, He instructed Moses, Oh, be sure to bring that walking stick along. It’s going to come in handy.”
More like Moses
I think this long conversation between God and Moses impacts me because I ‘m prone to be like Moses. All too often, I see me in Moses: “Who, me, God? What? How? I’m not qualified! You know that, Lord. Please, please, please send someone else.” And sometimes, it inspires and challenges me to do as Moses finally did: Go as God called.
Of course, there were plenty of challenges and miracles, both positive and negative, during Moses’s 40-year trek through the desert. No food. Manna. No drinking water. Water. Seas parted. Idols. Rebellion. Consequences. Ten Commandments. And while Moses didn’t himself reach the Promised Land, he led God’s people to the door.
I’m eager for a brand new opportunity to see the story of Moses on theater big screens.
Sight and Sound’s Original Stage Production at Your Theater
Sight & Sound Theatres® has filmed their Moses stage production in front of a live audience, and it debuts September 13, 15, and 20 – three days only. To locate theaters, times, and more, visit mosesevent.com.
As all S&S productions do, Moses sticks close to the details in the biblical record. One can only watch in awe as Moses encounters the burning bush, as his staff turns into a serpent, and as he parts the Red Sea and leads God’s people homeward.
Moses is a spectacular and spiritually uplifting experience for your whole family which I hope you lead them to see.
Acting, original score, vocalists, sets, dialogue, special effects – every element of this production is beyond words. And I’m hoping it again inspires me not to waste time with pitiful excuses the next time God calls.
