Accept the Call

1. Accept the Call Nov. 6

2. Think About It • What are some typical excuses people give for avoiding challenges? • Today we look at a challenge Moses is given  We look at how facing the challenge gave purpose to his life.

3. Listen for things we learn about God. Exodus 3:1-6 (NIV) Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. [2] There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up.

4. Listen for things we learn about God. [3] So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight--why the bush does not burn up." [4] When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am."

5. Listen for things we learn about God. [5] "Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." [6] Then he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.

6. Encounter God’s Presence • Where and how does God miraculously appear to Moses? • What did God tell Moses to do? • Why was Moses afraid to look at God? • Why is this a good attitude to have?

7. Encounter God’s Presence • God could have called Moses when he was living as a prince in the palace of Pharaoh, where he already had position and influence. Why do you think God waited until Moses was a fugitive shepherd on the far side of the desert? • What are some things which distract us from tasks God wants us to take on?

8. Encounter God’s Presence • The story seems to show that God came looking for Moses rather than Moses looking for God. In what ways does God reveal Himself to us to get our attention (other than burning bushes)?

9. Encounter God’s Presence • Prior to this, Moses probably thought shepherding was his new purpose or calling in life. What does this tell you about God’s plans for your life? • Why might God reserve a special call until someone has reached senior adulthood, rather than calling you to that task as a younger adult?

10. Listen for a mission that God has for Moses. Exodus 3:10-15 (NIV) So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt." [11] But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" [12] And God said, "I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt,

11. Listen for a mission that God has for Moses. you will worship God on this mountain." [13] Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?" [14] God said to Moses, "I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I am has sent me to you.' "

12. Listen for a mission that God has for Moses. [15] God also said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites, 'The Lord, the God of your fathers--the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob--has sent me to you.' This is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation.

13. Understand God’s Name • What challenge did God give Moses? • What was Moses’ response to God’s challenge? • What are some hang-ups we might have about accepting instructions from God? • How did God reassure Moses that he could face his challenge?

14. Understand God’s Name • How can we know that God is there, even if we don’t sense it or “feel” his presence? • How does God identify Himself to Moses, what name does He tell Moses to give? How is the name God uses significant? • Jesus is still “The God Who IS” and is still contrasted to lots of things which try to be substitute deities or idols in our lives.

15. Listen for Moses’ objections and God’s answers. Exodus 4:10-12 (NIV) Moses said to the Lord, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." [11] The Lord said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? [12] Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."

16. Depend on God’s Power • What excuses does Moses give? • What do you think he meant by this excuse? • What logic does God use on Moses? • How does the fact that God made us qualify Him to help us?

17. Depend on God’s Power • What other kinds of skills does God sometimes give us so we can minister for Him? • Why do you think God would choose a spokesman who wasn’t a confident speaker?

18. Application • As a devotional exercise, list fears which might hinder you from doing God’s work. • Write them down • Pray over the list, giving each of those fears to God • Ask God to give you the strength, wisdom, etc. so that He might use you to do His kingdom work

19. Application • What is one step you could take this week to strengthen your commitment to the Lord? Consider the following … • Memorize scripture • Get training (such as FAITH witnessing class) • Give up some TV time to spend time reading/studying God’s Word

20. Application • How could you remind yourself of God’s greatness and power over technology and other modern idols? • Give them up for a time being (one night a week) • Replace that time with family time • Do a Bible research project on all the ways that God communicated to His people

21. Accept the Call Nov. 6