Exodus 18 -- What Outsider Unbelievers Can Show Us

Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, brought Moses’ wife and sons to him, and Moses shared with him everything that God had done for the Israelites.  Later, Jethro noticed that Moses was almost overwhelmed with the task  of settling disputes among the people.  “Jethro, being a Midianite, was a Gentile priest whose testimony indicates that he knew the true and living God,” my commentary said.  The Israelite priesthood hadn’t yet been established.  Jethro suggested that Moses establish a group of leaders to decide the less difficult cases, because he “new 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,” my commentary added.

 

It also said, “In matters of organization and management, God’s people can learn from outsiders, for ‘the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light’ (Luke 16:8).”  Although Moses was hearing from God regularly, it took an outsider to shake off a few cobwebs and help him not to major on the minors.  The leader needed to be led in this instance.  It also said, “Whenever ministry and structure collide, and ministry is being hindered, God’s people must adjust the structure so ministry can grow.”

 

One other thing I read – this chapter is a relief from the constant trials and complaints of the previous chapters.  “Charles Spurgeon said that God’s people are prone to engrave their trials in marble and write their blessings in the sand.”  Everyone here was praising God for what He’d done.  My commentary added, “Praising God is much better than complaining to God; in fact, praise is a good antidote for a complaining spirit. ‘There is a great deal more said in the Bible about praise than prayer,’ D.L. Moody said, ‘Yet how few praise meetings there are!’”

 

Father, help us to see when we need to make adjustments so that ministry isn’t hindered.  Thanks for the reminder that sometimes You even speak through outsiders.  Remind us to listen when You do.

 

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford