Moses engages in a remarkable dialogue with the God at the beginning of Exodus. Moses complains about his assigned mission to Egypt, “no one will believe me or listen to my voice.” He’s afraid that people will think he’s crazy as he speaks for God.

The Lord replies, “What is that in your hand?” Moses holds a staff (a long stick). “Throw it on the ground,” the Lord instructs. The staff turns into a snake and Moses runs away in terror. Surely God rolled his eyes.

Moses didn’t need any special abilities or magic powers to free his people. God brought all that. God showed Moses that he could use anything, a stick, a bush filled with non-consuming fire, and even a frightened shepherd, to accomplish his purposes.

That’s encouraging.

Week five of reading the Bible cover to cover.