We all have a great influence over the lives of the people around us. My prayer today, is that I steward that influence well.
“Moses’ father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, heard about everything that God had done for Moses and His people Israel and how the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt…(so) Moses’ father-in-law Jethro, along with Moses’ wife and sons, came to him in the wilderness” (Exodus 18:1,5)
It is on that visit that Jethro asks, “Why are you alone sitting as judge, while all the people stand around you morning until evening?”
Moses explains that “the people come to me to inquire of God.”
Jethro quickly gives him a more efficient way to “judge” the people by enlisting other God-fearing men to judge the “minor cases” and help lighten Moses’ load.
Moses listens and activates plan empowerment and then Moses says goodbye to his father-in-law.
Jethro came, he observed, he gave wisdom and then he went back home.
Why didn’t God himself just enlighten Moses with a better organizational structure?
He had given Noah great details concerning the ark.
He wrote the ten commandments in stone twice.
How hard would it have been for God to lay out a nice new org chart for Moses during one of their “TENT talks.”.
And why Jethro?
Chapter 18 refers to Jethro as “father-in-law” 12X. Twelve times in one chapter! What in the world? We get it, Jethro is Moses’ father-in-law, so why the continuous reference to his role in Moses’ life?
Could it be, that there was no one else that could have spoken into Moses’ life in that way? Because Jethro was in the role of father-in-law, it allowed him to share wisdom without undermining who Moses was.
A lot of people can comment on Tiger Wood’s golf game, but there are only a few people positioned in such a way that their observations would be received without defense and in love. Moses was who God had called to lead the people, but he allowed Jethro – his father in law -to lovingly observe as well as make very practical suggestions to allow Moses to be more effective in his calling, but without undermining that calling.
Who are you called to be? Are you letting others speak into those areas of your life? Are you able to tune out all the opinions of those who freely offer their thoughts, and at the same time receive advice from those that genuinely love you and are positioned to help you succeed?
Who are you meant to humbly encourage? Where can you pause your own life to truly observe and love someone else when they might need it?
God has given each of us different roles to play in the lives of others. Those roles matter and must be stewarded with great care. Jethro loved Moses and believed in who God had called him to be. He paused his own life to both celebrate and encourage Moses right where he was. His words were a selfless gift that enabled Moses to re-calibrate what he needed to do in order to lead the way God intended.
In The Meanwhile…
Remember. Our roles matter.
Good thoughts here. I need not hold back encouragement/advice just because I fear it will be rejected or that my relationship will be damaged. Checking my attitude and motive first will position me with humility.
(I am drawn in by your writing style of short paragraphs and sentences of varying lengths. Boldface questions make me think.)
God has placed so many wonderful people in my path in the last few years,I’ve felt it was to help me through a different time. But, I’m seeing God’s purpose for ME in theirs lives too. I was reminded how loved I was & what a difference I had made..Very humbling! I’m constantly shown & very often surprised that my purpose is valued. Thank you for this enlightening moment & in-the-meanwhile, while I’m waiting.
It’s crazy that we are all facets of who God is…And as we learn to BE, God naturally shines out of us. You are a beautiful aspect of our God Paulette!
Thank you Geri,I love the life God has blessed me with. I love being His daughter & the people He passes my way💕Oh how great is my Mighty God!
I am learning not to be insulted in ANY way when people say things to me. I take it as God teaching me to discern between right/wrong and/or preparing me for something. I used to get upset when things go my way, or I was ‘constructively’ talked to about something, or even had to go on a detour; but I have learned that it is God’s way of protecting or teaching me. Thank you, Geri, for your sharing insight.