1.19.25 ~ Who am I?
Good morning!
Yesterday‘s Torah portion, we saw the calling of Moses to his all important task of delivering the children of Israel from the hand of pharaoh (Ex. 3-5). Some would think, since Moses was raised in pharaoh's Royal House, that he would realize that he was the most qualified person to confront the king of Egypt and to lead a group of slaves to their freedom. But, when God confronted him at the burning bush (see Friday's study on your personal burning bush), Moses replied with a lack of confidence, saying,
"Who am I that I should go to pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt"? (Exodus 3:11)
In other words, what qualifies me to lead these people out from under pharaoh‘s hand?
Moses didn’t feel that he had the ability to accomplish what God called him to do. Similar instances occur among the prophets of Israel when they do not feel confident that they have the courage or skill to do what the Lord has instructed them. For instance, when the Lord tells Samuel that he is rejected as king because of his wickedness and that he should go to the house of Jesse and anoint the new King, Samel's responds by saying,
"How can I go? If so, he will kill me." (1 Samuel 16:2)
Samuel knew that Saul would try to kill him because of jealousy. Despite his fear, Samuel obeyed God‘s plan.
After defeating and slaughtering the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). Elijah fled to the wilderness when he heard queen Jezebel threaten to kill him as he had killed the false prophets; even though God had just used him to do something bold and amazing, Elijah became afraid and gave into the fear. But, he himself, went on a journey into the wilderness where he sat down under a broom tree and he asked that he might die, saying, "It is enough now Lord, take away my life for I am no better than my father‘s." (1 Kgs. 19:4)
Elijah was so distraught over this threat that he wanted to die. But, and fortunately, God delivered him and continued to use him mightily until he was taken up into the heavens in the charity of fire.
When preparing to build the holy temple, King David doubted the magnitude of God‘s calling on him when the Lord told him, "I will make for you a great name like the name of the great ones on the Earth, moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house."
(2 Sam. 7:9, 11)
David couldn’t believe his ears. Here he was trying to bless God by creating a holy house for his presence to dwell, and God responded by saying that he will make him a house; a dynasty for david. David responded, "Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house that you have brought me thus far?" (2 Sam. 7:18)
Moses was in a similar situation. According to the response of Moses, he revealed a lack of confidence that he could accomplish the task assigned to him by the Lord. He no longer saw himself as one raised in pharaoh's palace, but only as the humble shepherd he had become. Thinking to himself, who am I, a lowly shepherd that I should appear before the king of Egypt and demand that the Israel Israelite be released? In his mind, even if he did get an audience with the pharaoh, surely he would be killed the moment he opened his mouth...not only that, but he also knew that he would be held responsible for his failure to bring out the children of Israel. Double Ugh!
This put a double fear of apprehension inside of him. However, despite the doubt expressed by Moses, the Lord alleviated his fear with one simple response, I will be with you/ki ehyeh imach (Ex. 3:12).
These are the words we all need to hear repeatedly and hold tightly in our hearts: "I will be with you". Yep! Truly, with the task He calls us to, the God of the universe will be with us! With the reality of that truth, I can do what He has called me to do.
Personally, it’s easy to lose track of this profoundly simple fact, but we (speaking of me, myself and I) have to remember that if our creator has given us a task, despite how impossible it may appear to be, he also is placed with us the ability to carry it out. Double yippee!
Sometimes all we can see are our limitations and inadequacies. When we have an entire list of assets, we haven’t even tapped into, sometimes it’s difficult to remember that we were assigned our individual tasks here on this beautiful planet earth by a wise and all knowing Creator who tailored us specifically for that purpose.
Sometimes we (speaking of me, myself and I) can become so focused on who we are not, that we fail to remember who we are.
Who am I? For those in Christ, we are the salt of the earth, bringing life and flavor to those around me. I am the light of the world, a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden. I am an individual designed by God to bring forth good works so He can be glorified (Matt. 5:13-16). I am uniquely designed to succeed in what God has created me to accomplish (Eph. 2:10). Which begs us to ask the question: "who am I"? "What has God called me to when He brought me to this earth"? "What mission has God assigned you in this life?" If God has breathed life into you, and He has, He has a mission that only can be fulfilled by you and you alone.
Don’t miss the opportunity to become the person he needs and designed you to be. Others may be depending on you and if you’re still struggling to step up to the plate...you'll never get on base and you can't score any runs to help the 'team' win the game.
Have an amazing 1st day of the week!
Shalom
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