Today's Reading
Exodus Chps 15 to 18
In these chapters we see Moses leading the Israelites through the desert. God instructed Moses for ways to go, for provision, and he also protected them on their way. The Israelites questioned Moses several times about where they could get food or water and even grumbled how it might have better to be left to die a slave in Egypt. Clearly the Israelites lost faith in their God and began to depend on themselves and Moses in particular. They began to quarrel amongst themselves and Moses began to play the role of judge getting involved and mediating all of these matters, many of them trivial.
Moses' father in law Jethro gives Moses sage advice:
17 Moses' father-in-law replied, "What you are doing is not good. 18 You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. 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. 21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22 Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. 23 If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied." (Exodus 18:176-23)
This is wise advice and Moses followed this advice - this certainly speaks both of Moses humility (vs thirst for power) and his wisdom to seek the counsel of others. Note how Jethro makes it clear that those from whom Moses should seek counsel should "fear God" and be "trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain".
My Prayer: Lord, help me avoid the trappings of power over my family and in any other positions of leadership in which you place me. Help me be humble and help me seek wise counsel - help me most importantly submit to your will - as I know you speak wisdom through others.
