Exodus 18:21
“If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.” Jethro had just provided Moses with a sound piece of advice regarding ministry methodology. Taking Moses’ own personal health into consideration, Jethro advised that he divide his responsibilities with other Godly and capable men. Up until this point in the story, it is difficult to determine whether or not this advice is right for Moses. God had indeed placed the responsibility for leadership on his shoulders. Should he not then bear the burden on his own? This verse is pivotal in finding the answer. It causes us to believe that Jethro is concerned that Moses not simply do what seems good, but rather that which is acceptable to the Lord. A combination of factors lead us to this conclusion, including Jethro’s genuine concern for Moses, his care in recommending only men that fear God, and his stipulation here: “if God commands”. All spiritual advice will have similar ingredients, pointing us toward God’s best. While pragmatic consideration of facts has its place, our desire should be to please the Savior.
Tags: Exodus, Leadership
November 12, 2008 8:00 am 
Subscribe: 
