Exodus 18 -- Ministry vs Structure

The details aren't given, but it's possible that as Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, he may have sent a messenger to his father-in-law Jethro's house to retrieve his wife and sons for the trip to the Promised Land.  His father-in-aw showed up.  Nothing is said about his wife and sons!

"The nation already had elders (v. 13, 4:29) but they weren't assisting Moses in the day-to-day affairs of the camp ... Jethro knew that Moses' leadership was crucial for the future success of Israel and that any activity that drained his energy or wasted his time was bound to hurt the nation ... No one man could minister personally to 2 million people and last very long.  Even after the new arrangement had been established, Moses had to confess that the work was too much for him."

Jethro suggested a system of counselors for every 10 people, with supervisors for every ten counselors, and so on.  Moses would only handle the cases that made their way through all of the supervisor layers without being resolved.

"Jethro wasn't advising Moses to pass the buck.  No, Moses was to teach the people the regulations, no doubt assisted by chosen rulers, so they could make wise decisions ... Jethro urged Moses to talk to the Lord about the problem and obey whatever God said.  Since Moses did adopt his father-in-law's suggestion, he must have consulted the Lord and gotten God's approval."

"Whenever ministry and structure collide, and ministry is being hindered, God's people must adjust the structure so ministry can grow."

Father, help me to keep watch and to know to move out of the way of any changes You decide to make.

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford