The Good of Others
Read This Week: Exodus 18
The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening. When his father-in-law, Jethro, saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, “What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?” Moses answered him, “Because the people come to me to seek God’s will. Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God’s decrees and instructions.” – Exodus 18:13-16 NIV
William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, once said, “Some men’s passion is for gold. Some men’s passion is for art. Some men’s passion is for fame. My passion is for others and their souls.” Exodus 18 presents a significant turning point in the story of the Israelites’ journey to freedom through the wilderness. It introduces Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, who offers invaluable advice that shapes the future of Israelite governance and administration and reminds Moses that it is about others, especially those in the family of God.
Jethro’s arrival is not just a familial visit; it symbolizes the importance of community and support systems. He brings Moses’ wife and children, highlighting the need to maintain family bonds even amidst leadership responsibilities. It’s crucial to foster relationships that ground us in our lives, providing both emotional support and practical advice.
Jethro, as a Midianite priest, offers an outsider’s perspective. His observation of Moses’ overwhelming workload prompts him to suggest a more sustainable leadership model. This insight teaches us the value of seeking external opinions. Sometimes, those outside our immediate situation can provide insights we might overlook, encouraging us to critically evaluate our practices and strategies.
One of Jethro’s primary recommendations is for Moses to delegate responsibilities to capable leaders. This opinion alleviates Moses’ burden and empowers others within the community. Effective delegation is a cornerstone of successful leadership. It fosters a sense of ownership among team members and allows leaders to focus on strategic decision-making rather than getting bogged down by daily tasks that take away from serving other people.
Jethro’s advice leads to the establishment of a judicial system, promoting order and fairness within the community. This underscores the necessity of having an approach in place to manage growing responsibilities effectively. In any church, organization, or community, clear structures can help prevent chaos and ensure that everyone understands their roles.
Moses’ willingness to listen to Jethro demonstrates humility and the importance of being open to advice. Leaders, in any context, should be receptive to feedback and willing to adapt their strategies. Wisdom often comes from unexpected places, and acknowledging this can lead to more effective leadership.
Jethro’s concern for the well-being of Moses and the people emphasizes that leadership is not just about authority but about service. Influential leaders prioritize the needs of others, ensuring that they are not overwhelmed and that their needs are met. This can apply to various contexts, from families, churches, and workplaces to community organizations, where the focus should be on the well-being of others and not on a self-serving agenda.
Jethro’s wisdom not only helps Moses but also sets a foundation for the governance of a nation and provides a modern-day example for us. As we reflect on these principles, we can apply them to our own lives, enhancing our effectiveness as leaders and our connections with those around us. The question we should ponder is, what is our passion? Is it for ourselves, our gain, or is it for the good of others?
Exodus Chapter 18 Verse 21
Moreover, you shall choose able men from all the people–God-fearing men of truth who hate unjust gain– And place them over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, to be their rulers.
Exodus Chapter 18 Verse 22
And let them judge the people at all times; every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they shall judge. So it will be easier for you and they will bear the burden with you.
~Engage Others In Truth~
God Is Saying To Me:
My child, I have given you a great mind to study my word and to be able to discern good from evil. You will face many obstacles and challenges in life, so teach others around you to be of assistance in organizing seasoned leaders to help you minister to others. You have been made in my image and your strength and power lies in me alone. Have strong leaders help you so as to lighten your load. You do not have to face life and challenges alone. Remain steadfast in prayer, listening to my voice and teach others how to rely on Me and not man.
What This Means To Me:
1. God is the one true leader in our lives.
2. We are not made to face obstacles alone.
3. Remember to seek to hear God’s voice and instructions to better select, train and give authority to others.
4. Choose able-bodied people that have a healthy fear of God, speak the truth and remain fair concerning all endeavors of Christian Life.
Thank you God that you give us leaders and skilled people to help us in navigating life with you! ❤️
This week I got a song in Exodus chapter 18
Trusting
Let’s come together to worship our Lord let’s come together to worship our Lord trusting believing in our Lord trusting believing in our Lord as we go through our journey with Jesus, remember his spirit is with us he will help guide us counsel us let’s not be people pleasers but when we need help ask our leaders in the church they will help guide us. We want to seek our Lord seek our Lord through everything so let’s come together to praise the Lord let’s come together praise our Lord amen.
Our Lord loves when we are faithful and we put him first so let’s not try to be people pleasers but let’s be pleasers of our Lord. Let’s help bring others and share God love with others. Amen.
Exodus 18:19 Now listen to me; I will advise you, and may God be with you [to confirm my advice].
Powerful lessons on Leadership, being humble to hear God through others.
Moses is a great example of listening to God and now having a humble heart to listen to God through his father-in-law.
It’s a blessing when God brings people into our life to help us in our journey with God
I know God has blessed me with awesome people over the years especially my pastor Randy that is in heaven now.
Sometimes it can be hard if we think we can’t do something. But with God, all things are possible, but the important thing is to have a heart that is open to God.
my pastor Randy would say you want to be
FAT – Faithful, Available and teachable, trainable.
and doing God’s work we want to have a heart that is open to what God is doing and to be able to work with people that love, God and hear .
I hear father God saying it is important for your heart to be open to me and to be able to hear me through other others too. That’s how it works that you all work together helping each other that’s how you grow so keep your heart open always to me and to be listening to me through other people too.
Thank you father God that you always give us the best. You’re a awesome father. I love you so much thank you Jesus and your Holy Spirit.❤️️
There are countless good things we can choose to do, wouldn’t you agree? Acts that are not only right and proper but reflect honor, wisdom, and genuine concern for others. Alternatively, we could act based solely on our own desires or emotions, without considering the impact on others or whether our actions align with what is good and right.
I’m learning that there are certain ways of behaving and treating others that stand out as more honorable and wise. I want my actions to reflect well not only on myself but on my family and the Lord, showing qualities that are admirable and uplifting to others. I’m discovering that this is where true blessings flow, and where a life worth living truly begins.
1. Do Good and Honor Others
Always choose what is right and honorable in your interactions, especially toward elders and those in positions of authority. Small acts of respect and integrity leave a lasting impression and show a depth of character.
2. Share Your Blessings
Be generous with what God has given you, sharing not only material blessings but also stories of His goodness. Testifying to God’s faithfulness can encourage and inspire others.
3. Receive Blessings Through Honorable Living
When we focus on what is good, right, and honorable, God brings blessings into our lives. This brings wisdom and fulfillment to our daily affairs, enriching our relationships and the lives of those around us.
PODCAST
This Week in the Life: Exodus 18
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This is what I got from Exodus 18. In this chapter Moses gave Jethro an honest report about all the hardships they had been through, and how I delivered them. When going through difficult service for Me, encourage yourself in Me as your help. I will deliver you. Jethro gave the glory to Me as Israel’s God. I am the only living and true God. I am greater than all god’s. It is a very good thing when all relations and friends come together to join in the spiritual sacrifice of prayer and praise, as those who meet in Christ, the center of the universe. Moses business as a Magistrate was not to make laws, but to make known My laws; his place was that of a servant. Because Moses knew Me and My Word, he was able to fairly settle disputes. Taking all this responsibility upon himself, was a massive burden. Moses was teachable and he listened to Jethro. The first essential step for Moses, was to pray for the people. He had to bring the difficulties to Me. Moses had to teach My word to those who would hear disputes, and those who might dispute. If you know My Word for yourself, many of your disputes could be settled immediately. I am to be recognized as the true leader of My people. As a pastor, and a leader, they can not do the work of leadership alone. They have a special responsibility for prayer and teaching, and they need to select, train, and they need to give authority to others, to help in the work. Leaders fit for the job were men of ability, men of Godliness, men of truth, and men of honor. The more leaders will extend Moses ministry and make him more effective. Many hands would make light work. It is important for you to seek counsel from believers.
What this said to me was this chapter shows me I have to be open to receive counsel from others, which will help me grow. The more we work together with other believers to further the kingdom, the more we will accomplish in expanding ministry. We don’t have to do everything alone. We have to humble ourselves to ask for help. We have to know God’s Word to be able to work through the things we go through and to follow Him.