But Moses said to God,
“Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh
and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
Exodus 3:11 New International Version (NIV)
But Moses said,
“Pardon your servant, Lord.
Please send someone else.”
Exodus 4:13 (NIV)
Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you. You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do.”
Exodus 4: 14-15 (NIV)
When the angel of the Lord
appeared to Gideon, he [the angel] said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”
Judges 6:12 (NIV)
“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.” The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”
“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”
Judges 6: 13-15 (NIV)
On the road someone asked if he could go along. “I’ll go with you,
wherever,” he said.
Jesus was curt: “Are you ready
to rough it? We’re not staying in the best inns, you know.”
Jesus said to another, “Follow me.”
He said, “Certainly, but first excuse me for a couple of days, please. I have to make arrangements
for my father’s funeral.”
Jesus refused. “First things first. Your business is life, not death. And life is urgent: Announce God’s kingdom!”
Then another said, “I’m ready to follow you, Master, but first excuse me while I get things
straightened out at home.”
Jesus said, “No procrastination. No backward looks. You can’t put God’s kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day.”
Luke 9: 57-62 The Message
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.
Matthew 5: 21-22 (NIV)
“You have heard that it was said,
‘You shall not commit adultery.’
But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her
in his heart. If your right eye
causes you to stumble, gouge it out
and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.”
Matthew 5: 27-30 (NIV)
“You have heard that it was said,
‘Love your neighbor and hate
your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.
He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that. Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Matthew 5: 43-48 (NIV)