Exodus 18

Exodus 18 records the visit of Moses father-in-law Jethro. Jethro brings Moses’ wife and kids to him. The reunion is touching. The eating of bread together in the presence of the Lord is a picture of the fellowship we share in observing the Lord’s Supper.

Jethro is bothered by the fact that Moses is trying to do too much. Every problem was brought to Moses to solve. Jethro pointed out that there were very capable people standing around watching him work. Jethro suggested organizing so that he could share the burden. Moses listened to his father-in-law and organized the people to take some of the burden off from himself. This reminds me of what the disciples had to do in Acts 6. They appointed some men (our first deacons) to serve so that they could spend more time in prayer and study. There are some lessons for all of us to learn in this passage. God doesn’t expect us to bear the entire load. It is best to share the load with others. Even though laziness is condemned in the Bible on many occasions it should also be noted that staying busy 24/7 without time to pray, meditate, study Scripture and to have some alone time is equally condemned. God expects us to balance our life with work, time alone with Him, and even to leave time for recreation. That is the example Jesus left for us and we ought to follow it.

“Lord thank You for giving us time to do what you have called us to do and to enjoy life as well if we will organize our time for You. I pray this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.”