בס”ד

Parashat Va’eira (And I appeared) Exodus 6:2-9:35

Haftarah: Ezekiel 28:25-29:21

In this week’s Torah reading, one finds a message of encouragement for those who feel inadequate before G-d. The truth of the matter is that each person, whether he knows it or not, is inadequate to serve G-d. The important thing to remember is that HaShem wants to use you. Think of it this way:  a great tennis player can do great things with a not so good tennis racket. Man is just the racket; G-d is the One Who in reality accomplishes the work. Once you and I understand that the outcome is dependent upon the sovereign G-d and not upon our ability, then our inadequacy will not be the issue.

Earlier on in the book of Exodus the reader learns that Moses does not want to be the one whom HaShem uses to bring the Children of Israel out of Egypt. Once again Moses objects and “reminds” G-d that he is not appropriate to do the task that HaShem is calling him to do. Why is this? Moses does not want to go and speak to Pharaoh because he has uncircumcised lips. Moses states before HaShem,

“…behold, I am (of) uncircumcised lips, and how will Pharaoh listen unto me

?”

Exodus 6:30

Moses needed to learn that the power rested in the words that Moses was commanded to speak and not in the one who simply uttered them. In other words, truth has an anointed power that cannot be hindered even by one who is not eloquent in speech. Likewise, those who speak in an impressive manner, who have a great command of the language and a voice that is pleasing to hear, cannot compensate for the lack of spiritual content. I would rather hear one stumble through John 3:16 than listen to the greatest speaker recite the most intelligent presentation of climate change or the theory for the evolution of man.

Remember the words of Paul who said that he was not appointed to preach the Gospel according to human wisdom and in an eloquent manner, lest the power of the Cross be emptied (See 1 Cor. 1:17).

The next time you feel Yeshua calling you to do something, do not ask yourself, “Am I up to the task”; rather be sure you are hearing His voice. If so, He will supply what you lack, all you need to bring is an obedient spirit mixed with much prayer.

Shabbat Shalom