The proof to show Moses that he was sent by God was that, after Moses brought the people out of Egypt, they would worship on Mount Horeb. A proof after the fact is not a very good proof by human standards. Moses realized this and asked for another assurance, for God to reveal His name. With this, Moses could name for the people the One Who had sent him. "God replied, 'I Am Who Am.' Then He added, 'This is what you shall tell the Israelites: I AM sent me to you' " (Ex 3:14). This also was less than ideal. If you go up to people and say, "I AM sent me to you," do you think they'll understand what you're saying?

In effect, the Lord sent Moses to Egypt with nothing but faith. Even Moses' miraculous staff wasn't that much help because the Egyptian magicians could perform the same signs. The key to power in ministry is not having a few things to fall back on but having nothing to fall back on. When Jesus sent the apostles out for ministry, He set them up by giving them nothing and taking away the little they had. He told them: "Take nothing for the journey, neither walking staff nor traveling bag; no bread, no money" (Lk 9:3). Jesus is still trying to leave His workers with nothing but faith in Him. Will you accept this?

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 5, 2009

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