“The next day, Moses took his seat to hear the people’s disputes against each other. They waited before him from morning till evening. 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?” Moses replied, “Because the people come to me to get a ruling from God. 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.” “This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. You should continue to be the people’s representative before God, bringing their disputes to him. Teach them God’s decrees, and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives. But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. 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. 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.” Moses listened to his father-in-law’s advice and followed his suggestions. He chose capable men from all over Israel and appointed them as leaders over the people. He put them in charge of groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. These men were always available to solve the people’s common disputes. They brought the major cases to Moses, but they took care of the smaller matters themselves. Soon after this, Moses said good-bye to his father-in-law, who returned to his own land.”
Exodus 18:13-27 NLT
When God equips his people, he often does so n the way least expected by men. He often does gives people each other. This circumstance should be read in juxtaposition to Moses’ previous pleading with God that he wasn’t able to lead the people and go against the Pharaoh. In point of fact, he was. This discussion and decision was not born out of inability or insecurity. Jethro’s advice to Moses was born out of a desire to be a good steward of the responsibility that he assumed wholeheartedly. There may not be a single right way to accomplish a task, but there are most definitely wrong ways. These often have to do with stewardship issues. For Jethro, it was important that Moses understand his finiteness, in taking in the task of an infinite being. We ought to take note that Jethro offered his advice with the caveat that God was agreeable. He believed, and rightfully so, that God would want Moses to utilize all his resources in the people. This has been a facet of the way God administers his work amongst people. Whether it was Eve for Adam, sending out two disciples at a time, or creating the church itself, God wants us to steward his work interdependently. Not because we can’t do it alone, but because we weren’t made to.
God’s Equipping: God often equips people in unexpected ways, including through each other.
Jethro’s Advice: Jethro’s advice to Moses, despite Moses’ ability, stemmed from a desire to be a good steward of the responsibility.
Interdependent Stewardship: God emphasizes interdependent stewardship of work, as seen in examples like Eve and Adam, sending disciples two at a time, and the church.
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