The Wednesday Word 3.08.2023
Exodus 18:1, 13-15, 17, 22-23 NLT
1
Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, heard about everything God had
done for Moses and his people, the Israelites. He heard especially about how
the Lord had rescued them from Egypt…13 The next day, Moses took his seat to
hear the people’s disputes against each other. They waited before him from
morning till evening. 14 When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing
for the people, he asked, “What are you really accomplishing here? Why are you
trying to do all this alone while everyone stands around you from morning till
evening?” 15 Moses replied, “Because the people come to me to get a ruling from
God. 16 When a dispute arises, they come to me, and I am the one who settles
the case between the quarreling parties. I inform the people of God’s decrees
and give them his instructions.” 17 “This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law
exclaimed…22 They should always be available to solve the people’s common
disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide
the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the
task easier for you. 23 If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to
do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will
go home in peace.”
There
is a phenomenon most assuredly seen in church leaders, but it happens within
families and even in the workplace. There are always those people who seem to
step up and take charge, who can always be depended on to organize and
coordinate and follow through. These people form the backbone and the lifeblood
of their groups. They are a blessing. Mostly.
God
chose Moses to represent his people to the court of Pharaoh. When Pharaoh
failed to see sense, God used Moses to lead his people to freedom. When he
wanted to give his people his holy law, God called Moses to the mountaintop.
While he was reluctant to accept this role in the beginning, Moses continued to
fulfill his calling for forty long years. Can you imagine the weight of
responsibility he must have felt? He must have felt like the future of his
entire nation was in his hands.
It
is a positive thing to volunteer and carry out tasks that need to be done. It
is incredibly rewarding when God places that call on the heart. The issue
arises when the individual begins to take personal ownership of God’s call.
Even in the modern day we see individuals who feel like the responsibility for
the success of their people depends on them. It may feel like “if I don’t do
it, it won’t get done.” Sometimes, that may be true; however, the weight of
that attitude changes the nature of your involvement. It becomes a burden
instead of a joy. Maybe it is time to move on from that spot. An alternative
scenario is that in taking ownership, we don’t leave room for anyone else.
Someone else may be feeling a tug, but that space is already filled. Make
space. Share the joy of serving…something to pray about.
Don’t
forget to look for the Lord today. Vicki H.
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