Moses’ father-in-law said to him,
‘The thing that you are doing is not good.’
Exodus 18:17
Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, comes to visit and return Moses’ wife and children to him. During the visit Jethro witnesses Moses sitting as judge over the children of Israel. Moses is the one that every problem is brought to, no matter how big or small. He sits from morning until evening listening to every complaint and question among the people.
I can just see Jethro’s face as he watches all this taking place. I can see him shaking his head in disbelief at the length of the line of people outside of Moses tent. In my mind’s interpretation I can see him going to his daughter, and complaining about what he is seeing. I can see him telling her, “Zipporah, there is no way he can keep that up. He is going to kill himself or all those people lined up outside that tent are going to kill each other as they wait to see him. When is he going to have time to be a husband and father? He will see an early grave if he keeps this up.”
Then I can see Zipporah saying, “Father, he won’t listen to me. You go and talk some sense into him and God be with you.” I am not sure if it played out that way, it’s just the way I see it.
Now Jethro goes to Moses and makes known his concerns. This is what I like about Jethro. He brings up his concerns, but he also brings up a possible solution to the concern.
“Now listen to me: I will give you counsel and God be with you.
You be the people’s representative before God,
and you bring the disputes to God,
then teach them the statutes and the laws,
and make known to them the way in which they are to walk
and the work they are to do.”
Exodus 18:19-20.
I also like that Jethro closes his concern and suggestion with telling Moses to check with God
If you do this thing and God so commands you, then…
Exodus 18:23
So it’s like Jethro says, Now Moses here’s my suggestion, but you check with God and if this is good with God, then this is what you need to do, because your family needs you too and you are not going to be any good to your family or these people if you keep this up.
There is so much to be learned from this chapter in Exodus:
1) Our family is important and the walk we have with God will have a huge impact on them so our priority ministry is in our own homes (Exodus 18:1-12).
2) We cannot do the work that God has called us to do all alone (Exodus 18:13-18).
3) God is always faithful to send us wise counsel and we must be willing to listen (Exodus 18:19-22).
4) When we see a problem or have a concern let us be willing to bring it up before the one that it concerns and let us be prepared to help with fixing it (Exodus 18:19-22).
5) When we offer or receive counsel let us be sure to make sure it is good with God before it is followed (Exodus 18:23)
Oh Father,
Once again You are mindful that we are but flesh. You are aware that there is only so much we can do on our own. So many times we hesitate to ask for help. So many times we are guilty of taking on too much responsibility. So many times it’s because we don’t want to be a burden to another and sometimes it’s simply because we just don’t trust another to do it right, at least the way we see right. Thank You Father for the way You interrupt us with Your will. Thank You for sending Your counsel through others. Help me Father to listen and to always confirm with You and then obey Your command.
My Jesus, it is in Your name I pray,
Amen.