It’s a very hot August afternoon and Sarah is taking her daily walk. As she nears her local shul, she notices that the shrubbery outside the entrance is on fire. She quickly pulls out her cellphone to call the fire brigade before the fire causes any damage.
She dials 911, identifies herself, gives her location and explains the situation.
"Do you mean to tell me," says the emergency operator, "that there's a burning bush on the synagogue lawn and you want us to put it out?"
I must have heard every burning bush joke :-)
But the conversation at the original bush that ensues between Moses and Hashem is puzzling.
G-d tells Moshe to take the Jews out of slavery. Moshe resists, saying that with his speech impediment (a story for another time) he's not the best man for the job. If the whole mission is to go and talk with Pharaoh, and communicate G-d's message to the Jews, wouldn't you want the best radio voice in the industry? Someone with gifted oratory skills, and a highlight reel of a resume in public speaking. Not someone who lisps and stutters.
And yet, Hashem sends him despite his impairment. Why? With an A-list orator, the people may have doubted the veracity of the message, feeling that they may have been swayed by his charisma, eloquent delivery, and polished presentation.
However, a message that is true and authentic will withstand scrutiny and challenge and will ultimately stand the test of time.
In our lives, let's not shy away from positions or moments of impact and influence, under the perceived guise that we may not be best suited for the role. If we have something valuable to share (even if not in the nicest packaging), and Hashem put us in this situation, it's an indicator that He believes in our ability to shine.