Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn’t burn up. The fireproof bush caught Moses’ attention. He had to go see it and found himself in the presence of God. Moses’ stumbling, hesitant response to God’s direction elicited a shepherd’s staff being turned into a snake and a healthy hand becoming snowy white with leprosy, and both the staff and the hand being changed again to their original state. Three times God says to Moses, "Now go!" Still, having seen the miracles, having heard God’s voice, having been reminded of God’s promises and the strength of His presence, Moses still offers his excuses! Don’t be too harsh with Moses though because our responses are often very similar. We too have seen the miraculous in changed lives that have been transformed by God. Perhaps your own life does not tell a dramatic story, but many do, and you have seen and heard them. We have heard God’s voice. We have heard His promises rehearsed over and over again and have been assured of His enabling, unchanging presence. And still, we hesitate! And we offer our excuses!

Paul takes a somewhat different approach with the Philippians and asks them an arresting question. In essence he asks, "Have you gotten anything from being a Christian?" If you have found a place of love and belonging, if you have been comforted or encouraged, if you have entered into a relationship with God Himself, then, pleeeze, do me a favor! Act like it!! (I didn’t say that – Paul did – and I just paraphrased.) Then Paul goes on and talks about selflessness, and unity, and an uncommon humility. He says, "Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear." Don’t be critical. Don’t complain. Live clean and innocent lives. Hold firmly to the word of life.

We sent a team from our church on a journey to Kenya. The team members told us it was a "journey," and not simply a "trip," because trips are full of facts, but a journey fully embraces what is seen and heard and experienced. They were awed and challenged by the faith of the Kenyan Christians. They act like Christians from the inside out. We would find it easy to complain if we lived their lives with little of food, clothing, comfort commodities, or even good health, but much of the daily stench of death. The Kenyans have instead a spirit of gratitude, deep relationships, and a contagious faith and trust expressed by both their lives and their worship. They don’t offer their excuses and they don’t hesitate.