Lessons from your father-in-law
"So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you."
Exodus 18:22
Moses was a grown man and certainly mature. But he still was able to benefit from some sage advice from his father-in-law. Moses was being bogged down by the day to day burden of leadership. He was spending all day long listening to the complaints of the people and then rendering a judgment.
It was noble work and work that he was qualified to do. But it was becoming overwhelming. And his effectiveness was suffering. So, up steps the father-in-law, Jethro. (And you thought your father-in-law had a funny name.) He makes a wise observation that benefits both Moses and the people.
He observes that Moses himself will be able to endure: This is the first reward for effectively delegating some of his authority. Moses would be able to enjoy life and be able to do his job better than ever.
The second reward was that all of the people will also go their way in peace with their issues resolved quickly. In other words, the people would be effectively ministered to.
And if you are interested, check out Paul's similar advice to the younger Timothy in II Timothy 2:2.
So, is it the age? Or the status as father-in-law?
Probably the age thing.
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The trouble is, are we willing to take sage advice? Moses and Timothy both had spirits that were willing to be taught.
ReplyDeleteI am much better at giving than getting. ;-)
ReplyDeleteIt's a journey, that's for sure.
ReplyDelete