Exodus: A Group StudySample

What is this passage saying?

Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, gave good advice on how to handle conflicts and issues that arose among the people.

What is this passage teaching?

While Moses’ heart was in the right place in wanting to help the people, there were too many daily details and decisions for one person. Moses had no time to rest, physically or mentally. He heeded the wisdom of Jethro and understood that he needed to prioritize how he spent his time and energy so he could be available to settle more consequential issues. Training others to resolve smaller issues allowed leadership and wisdom to be developed and spread throughout the entire nation.

How do I respond?

Just as every Christ-follower needs others supporting, encouraging, and praying for them, so often God calls us to bring other people along in fulfilling our calling. Few ministry efforts can be achieved alone. When Moses appointed judges for Israel, he multiplied his leadership while also creating the margin he needed to fulfill his responsibilities. Instead of hoarding power and leadership, Moses disseminated his authority and created an efficient system of justice that was faithful to Yahweh’s commands. If you are in a leadership position, who are you bringing along to lead with you? Are you tempted to cling to power and position instead of leveraging it for the flourishing of other people? This is not just in ministry or churches – if God has entrusted you to lead in your home, your work, or your community, He has called you to share your leadership to cultivate and grow other people.