Humble & Wise
Series: The God Who Rescues
November 02, 2020
Frank Foreman
The challenges of leadership can be heightened when we try to do everything and be everything for others. This is true both within the church as well as our everyday life as a Christian. What often happens is that it leads to isolationism, weariness and fatigue and can even lead us to feel burdened by things that should bring us joy--prayer, study of God's Word, fellowship with our family, etc. The Scripture highlighting the conversation and counsel given to Moses by his father-in-law, Jethro, gives us an important reminders and insight on how to deal with such burdens as we learn to trust in others to share the load.
Episode Notes
Jethro: Father-in-law of Moses; Father of Zipporah; Priest of Midian; Reul (Friend of God)
Exodus 18:17, 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.” 24 So Moses listened to the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said.
Pause to Consider: Why is this advice important?
WARNING: You’ll wear yourself out!
BIG IDEA:
Be willing to play a small part in God’s big story.
Jethro’s advice in action:
1. YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO DO IT ALONE.
Romans 12:4-6a, For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them...
2. LOOK FOR ABLE MEN.
Acts 6:2-4, And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the Word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
3. THEY WILL BEAR THE BURDEN WITH YOU.
Ephesians 4:11-12, And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.
RESULT: You will be able to endure.
Memory Verse: Exodus 18:23, 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.
Pause to Consider: As quick as you can... Name as many tasks as you can think of that are necessary for our Weekend Gatherings.
NEXT STEP:
Look for someone who may be overwhelmed... Help carry the load.
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