The Kingdom of Our Lord and of His Christ
Looking Toward the End and the Beginning
Read Exodus 18-20
Exodus 18:12-14 Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and other sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law in the presence of God. 13 The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening. 14 “What are you really accomplishing here? Why are you trying to do all this alone while everyone stands around you?” SOMETIMES our tasks in life are overwhelming. We’ve all Experienced this. Suddenly, there is too much to do and too little time complete the tasks. We become worn down and worn out, resenting the tasks God has laid before us. “Where is the rest?” But take heart. This scripture helps us know we can make some decisions about our responsibilities and work habits. God has ways to help you with the work he gives you. In this story from so long ago, we see how Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, helped Moses assess and fulfill his responsibilities and still have rest. Moses was overwhelmed with dozens, even hundreds of people coming to him daily to decide on their issues. There was far too much for one man to do in a community of 1 million people! So Jethro gave Moses a plan. As I hope you’ve read the entire passage, you’ll see how Moses’ received the advice and his work greatly diminished. He was then able to focus on his primary role: Exodus 18:19 Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him. 20 Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform. Moses was not appointed to decide daily matters. His role was to be Israel’s pastor to lead them toward God spiritually and physically. He had become too busy to do this good work. Following Jethro’s advice, Moses gained the time to be the leader God appointed him to be. If you are overwhelmed with tasks, seek help. Consider what is most vital to your role in God’s service. God doesn’t want you to wear down. His will is to empower you to effective work. He gave you gifts to work, and he gave you time to rest. Get some rest and enjoy your work. Trust God to send you good help. Mark 6:31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Comments are closed.
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AuthorBob James Archives
November 2024
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