11/08/2011
Author: Gordon Douglas
We All Need a Jethro at Times
Moses was God’s chosen man. He led Israel out of Egypt with mighty acts. He spoke to God directly. God spoke to Moses and Moses spoke to the people. But Moses had a problem; he was taking everything on himself. He listened to every petty squabble and made a judgment. In the normal course of life Jethro came to visit. Here was a man that Moses trusted. Jethro was a servant of God, and not just in name only for he was truly a godly man. Moses needed someone to speak into his life and God sent Jethro. Jethro gave Moses wise and godly counsel on how to govern Israel well. Here is what Jethro advised:
17 Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. 18 You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone. 19 Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God, 20 and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do. 21 Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. 22 And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. 23 If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace.”
Exodus 18:17-23 (ESV)
Exodus 18:17-23 (ESV)
Moses listened and everyone profited. Moses was able to focus more on teaching God’s ways to Israel and only judged the ‘big’ cases. Other godly men were appointed to help in the governing of the various tribes and clans. Families were encouraged to work out there problem ‘in house’ by having a respected leader make the judgments.
Here are some principles we can all apply to our lives:
1. God often uses others to help us grow as spiritual leaders. Am I open to the advice of others? (Don’t think that your having a ‘direct line’ to God is all you need!)
2. God uses trusted and godly friends to speak into our lives. Am I looking for times when God sends godly people my way? (Don’t be to proud to listen to and accept good, godly advice!)
3. God often uses others to do part of the work of the ministry that you feel responsible for doing. Am I open to letting go and letting others lead and grow? (Don’t think that you have to do it all!)
