God is calling to Moses from the burning bush. A pretty dramatic way to get someone's attention. And what's the message? "Go to Pharaoh and bring my people out of Egypt!" (Exodus 3:10).
Now, most of us would probably be at least a little bit intimidated by that request. But Moses? He's got a whole list of reasons why he's the wrong guy for the job.
In Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, a fascinating early medieval text that expands on biblical narratives, we get a glimpse into Moses' initial reluctance. Moses essentially argues with God. He pleads his case: "Sovereign of all worlds! Haven’t I told you, like, three or four times already that I'm just not cut out for this? I have a speech impediment! I’m not eloquent!" (Exodus 4:10). Moses is saying, "God, you know I have a defective tongue! Why would you choose me?"
But it gets even better. Moses doesn't just claim to be unqualified; he points out that God is sending him right back into the lion's den! "Not only that," he says, "but you're sending me into the hands of my enemy, someone who wants to hurt me! That's why I fled in the first place!" He's referring, of course, to the time he fled from Pharaoh after killing an Egyptian (Exodus 2:15).
It's a pretty valid point, isn't it? You run away from a dangerous situation, and then you're told to go right back?
So, what does God say to all this? Does He get angry? Impatient? No. He reassures Moses. He says, "Don't be afraid. All the men who sought your life are already dead."
It's a simple statement, but it's packed with meaning. God is telling Moses that the past is the past. The dangers he faced before are no longer a threat. He's clearing the path, so to speak. It’s almost as if God is saying, "Trust me. I've got this."
Now, why is this little exchange so compelling? Because it's so human! We see Moses, the future leader of the Israelites, wrestling with doubt, fear, and a very understandable desire to avoid a dangerous situation. It reminds us that even the greatest figures in our tradition were, at their core, just people. People with flaws, anxieties, and moments of profound uncertainty.
And it also reminds us that sometimes, the things we fear the most are not as insurmountable as they seem. Sometimes, the obstacles in our path have already been cleared, even if we don't realize it yet. And sometimes, all we need is a little reassurance from a higher power – or, perhaps, from within ourselves – to take that first step forward.
So, the next time you're facing a daunting task, remember Moses and his burning bush moment. Remember his reluctance, his fears, and the reassurance he received. And remember that even with our imperfections and anxieties, we too can be called to do great things.