October 25
Exodus 4:1-17

Please send someone else.

In my mind, Exodus 4 plays out like a Monty Python sketch. God has chosen Moses to deliver the Israelites from slavery. I imagine Moses wringing his hands as he says, “But no one will believe me.” God tells Moses to throw his staff on the ground. When he does, it transforms into a snake. Moses yelps in terror. God says to pick it up, so, gingerly, Moses grabs the tail. The snake becomes a staff again. “See?” God says. “Now they’ll believe you!” Wide-eyed silence from Moses. On a roll, God says, “Put your hand in your cloak.” Moses does, and when he removes it, it’s withered with disease. He screams. “Do it again!” God says, delighted by the trick. He does, and the skin is restored. As Moses clutches his hand to his racing heart, God says, “See? You’re ready!”

“Oh my Lord,” Moses pleads. “Please send someone else.”

Like watching a comedy of errors, the story makes me smile even as I feel empathy for its protagonist. How many times have we, too, hoped someone would take our place, especially when things got hard? How often do we wish for less responsibility or clearer instruction? “Please send someone else” is perhaps the most relatable thing Moses could say to God.

The chapter ends with God promising not to leave Moses, even as fulfills his calling. God promises to “teach you what you shall do.” Funny how things seem far more possible—and, sometimes, even comical—when we are not alone.