God had been so patient with Moses. But at some point, questions and concerns give way to excuses. “Who am I?” was answered. “Who are You?” was answered. “What if they don’t believe me?” was answered. “I can’t speak well” was addressed. Then, Moses crossed the line. “Please, Lord, send someone else.” He addressed God with a term of submission by using the word “Lord,” but his heart was far from submissive. He was out of questions, out of concerns. Now he put it on the table: He just didn’t want to obey.

So, God’s anger burned against Moses. When we read this at the beginning of verse 14, we might be tempted to see God in the Old Testament as a temperamental, volatile God. But that notion is quickly put to rest in the latter part of the same verse. Even in God’s anger, He continued to be patient and kind with Moses. He provided Aaron, who was already on his way to Moses, showing God’s sovereignty and goodness.

• What sincere questions might you be holding back from God? What excuses might you be offering Him?