In Exodus 18, Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, hears of all the wonderous things that God has done for Moses and Israel. Jethro brings his family together and upon realizing the great task Moses has undertaken, offers salient advice for him to consider. This writer believes that the advice offered to Moses will benefit many servants of God today.

Exodus 18:21-22 “Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.”

           Jethro told Moses to surround himself with able men. Then, he defined “able” as men who feared God. Mankind may appear to “have it all together” and be fully capable, but a man who places God in His proper place in life is able to do what the worldling cannot. The man who places God above all will be equipped to handle whatever this life throws at him. These kinds of men are who you want on your team. These men slay giants with stones, slay armies with ox goads, and turn the world up side down.  One plus God is a majority.

           Then, Jethro further defined the kind of men that Moses should reach out to for help as those who love truth. Nothing is more important than truth. Truth comes from the very essence of God. Truth is absolute and must not be manipulated, capitulated, or swept aside. Truth in judgement is so important, because without it, justice suffers. Moses needed men of truth, that would rule according to truth. Men of truth cannot be bought for money, or dissuaded by the masses. Truth is ultimate in their lives because of the God to whom they look to and answer. Oh, how men of truth are needed!

           Finally, Jethro, defined these men who Moses needed to select to help as men who hate covetousness. The man who has a strong desire for material possessions or power is the last person who needs the kind of position that Moses needed help with. A man seeking to gain a dollar any way he can could be bribed for a ruling. This would be a great harm to truth, and justice.

           These qualities were the core tenants that Jethro instructed Moses to base his judgement off of so he would have quality help to “bear the burden with thee.” The fact is that this world and all its problems are bigger than any one man. Moses couldn’t possibly adequately judge and rule in all the disputes between the millions of people in the wilderness. Jethro was right, what Moses was trying to do was not good and would cause him to “wear away” (Exodus 18:17-18).

           What about us?

           Jesus chose 12 men to help accomplish his mission (Mark 3:13-19). There were things that Jesus had to do himself, but He commissioned help in the areas in which it was needed. Why would anyone think they could undertake a mission of seeking to save that which is lost, and do it alone? Jesus chose to get help.

           The 12 that Jesus chose also delegated work to others to help in the mission. In Acts 6, seven deacons were chosen who would fit the qualities listed above, to help in the work of the church. The mission is bigger than one man. It is bigger than twelve!

           The seven that were chosen to oversee works, no doubt delegated work to the people laboring among them. It takes everyone to get involved to do the work in a community. The work is bigger than any one person. All are needed! 

           With that being the case, God help the church to raise up men and women who fear Him, love truth and hate covetousness. There is no worldly possession or position worth losing proper standing with God. God help the church to band together; to do the work He gave it with the talents He gave to accomplish it (1 Corinthians 12:14-31; Ephesians 4:11-16).

           If you would like to study how you can be added to Gods army and join His cause, please, reach out below. The Eastside Church of Christ stands ready to help you in any way. Please, subscribe below to continue receiving these blog articles once a week. Also, use the provided links to subscribe to our YouTube channel and go like our Facebook page. God bless you.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=eastside+church+of+christ+morganton+ga

https://www.facebook.com/EastsideChurchOfChristMorgantonGeorgia