18 August Exodus 18

You can’t do It all

Exodus 18:15-23 (AMP) Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to ask [about the will] of God. 16 When they have a dispute they come to me, and I judge between a man and his neighbour and I make known the statutes of God and His laws.” 17 Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing that you are doing is not good. 18 You will certainly wear out both yourself and these people who are with you, because the task is too heavy for you [to bear]; you cannot do it alone. 19 Now listen to me; I will advise you, and may God be with you [to confirm my advice]. You shall represent the people before God. You shall bring their disputes and causes to Him. 20 You shall teach them the decrees and laws. You shall show them the way they are to live and the work they are to do. 21 Furthermore, you shall select from all the people competent men who [reverently] fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; you shall place these over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens. 22 They shall judge the people at all times; have them bring every major dispute to you, but let them judge every minor dispute themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. 23 If you will do this thing and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure [the responsibility], and all these people will also go [back] to their tents in peace.”

In this chapter, Moses encounters his father-in-law, Jethro, who teaches him a valuable lesson about how to lead God’s people. Jethro observed Moses at work, serving as a judge to resolve the people's disputes. He noticed that Moses was doing this all by himself, with no help from anyone else, and he asked Moses why he was doing this all alone. Moses' answer was enlightening, especially regarding how Moses saw his role as a leader of God’s people. So, Jethro gives him fatherly advice and tells him that what he is doing is not good and that he cannot do it alone. Jethro suggests that while Moses can continue to have primary responsibility for specific duties, like representing the people before God, and communicating to them the ways of God, he should appoint other leaders to handle most of the judging of disputes between the people.

Jethro's advice fits with the Scripture. Two are better than one. Ecclesiastes 4:9 (AMP) “Two are better than one because they have a more satisfying return for their labour”.

Everyone should get involved and using their gifts as in1 Corinthians 12:27-31 (ERV) “All of

you together are the body of Christ. Each one of you is a part of that body. 28 And in the church God has given a place first to apostles, second to prophets, and third to teachers. Then God has given a place to those who do miracles, those who have gifts of healing, those who can help others, those who are able to lead, and those who can speak in different kinds of languages. 29 Not all are apostles. Not all are prophets. Not all are teachers. Not all do miracles. 30 Not all have gifts of healing. Not all speak in different kinds of languages. Not all interpret those languages. 31 Continue to give your attention to the spiritual gifts you consider to be the greatest. But now I want to point out a way of life that is even greater”.

Good leaders delegate authority as seen in Ephesians 4:11-13 (ERV) And that same Christ gave these gifts to people: He made some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to go and tell the Good News, and some to care for and teach God’s people. 12 Christ gave these gifts to prepare God’s holy people for the work of serving, to make the body of Christ stronger. 13 This work must continue until we are all joined together in what we believe and in what we know about the Son of God. Our goal is to become like a full-grown man—to look just like Christ and have all his perfection.

The leaders Moses relied on needed to be capable, God-fearing, trustworthy, and honest. As leaders, it is essential to identify the right people to invest in. While we will not always get this part right, we should know what we seek in leaders to raise.