The Reluctant Hero
The Reluctant Hero
Exodus 3:10-11
“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?”
Imagine if the president came to Clark Kent (aka Superman) and said, “Clark, I’d like to put you in charge of the United States Air Force—we might be heading off to war soon!”, and Kent responded, “Who me? No, I’m just a regular guy, Mr. President; I’m just a reporter for a little newspaper; not to mention I don’t know the first thing about flying planes!”, overlooking his x-ray vision, his ability to fly, and his bullet-proof chest. Or imagine Chicago’s mayor came to Bruce Wayne (aka Batman) and said, “Bruce, I’d like to nominate you as the chief of police—we’ve got to cut down this crime wave somehow!” and Wayne responding, “Who me? No, I’m just a guy in a million-dollar suit and tie; I’m just a hedge-fund manager; I’m not fit to wear the uniform!”, brushing aside his ninja training, his cave full of novel armory, and his flying bat mobile. See, the question isn’t whether extremely gifted people recognize their gifting, but whether they’ll accept the responsibility that comes with it. So I’m a bit put off by Moses’ false humility before the Lord here, because it sounds disingenuous. “Who am I?” he asks. Really, Moses?! Aren’t you one of the few Hebrew boys in your generation who made it past the cradle? Aren’t you the guy Pharaoh’s daughter rescued in the reeds and raised as a prince of Egypt? Aren’t you the guy who studied arts under the best tutors and trained for war under the toughest generals and learned to read and write under the greatest professors? And aren’t you the guy who got so sick of watching your brothers get beaten by Egyptians that you avenged their blood with your own two hands?
So often God chooses men who are willing to lead and then develops their ability, but sometimes, He picks men who are born to lead and then develops their willingness. Either way, He’s patient with His children, and He gives strength in our weakness no matter what form that weakness takes.