Moses Didn’t Do It Alone, Part 6

Scripture — Exodus 18:17-23

Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. You will surely wear yourself out, both you and these people with you. For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone. Now listen to me. I will give you counsel, and God be with you! You should represent the people before God, and you should bring their cases before God; teach them the statutes and instructions and make known to them the way they are to go and the things they are to do. You should also look for able men among all the people, men who fear God, are trustworthy, and hate dishonest gain; set such men over them as officers over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Let them sit as judges for the people at all times; let them bring every important case to you, but decide every minor case themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. If you do this, and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people will go to their home in peace.” So Moses listened to his father-in-law and did all that he had said.

Devotion

Sometimes advice-giving within families is deeply appreciated. Then again, sometimes it isn’t. It can be especially tricky for fathers-in-law and mothers-in-law to give advice to their children’s spouses. Those on the receiving end can feel threatened, criticized, or devalued. Those on the giving end can feel unappreciated or unfairly dismissed if their advice is ignored.

But there are times when the counsel of an in-law is both valued and embraced, times when the wisdom of an older person helps the younger person to live and lead more beneficially.

We see a positive example of family advice giving in Exodus 18. This story begins by introducing Jethro, Moses’s father-in-law. When Jethro came to visit Moses, he told his father-in-law all that had happened as God was delivering the Israelites from bondage in Egypt (Exodus 18:8). Jethro rejoiced over God’s goodness and recognized the Lord as the greatest of all gods (18:9-12).

The next day, Jethro watched as Moses worked a long, hard day as judge for the Israelites. Jethro was concerned about what Moses had done. He pulled no punches in telling Moses exactly what he observed and why it worried him. Jethro was afraid that Moses was going to wear himself out if he was the only functioning leader/judge among the Israelites (Exodus 18:17-18). He said to his son-in-law, “For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone” (18:17). (This is, by the way, the one place where Scripture almost uses the title of this series, Can’t Do It Alone. The CEB actually reads, “You can’t do it alone.”)

But Jethro didn’t stop when he told Moses that he couldn’t do it alone. Rather, Jethro gave specific advice concerning what he believed Moses should do. First, Moses should teach the Israelites the laws of God so they would know what’s right and wrong (Exodus 18:20). Second, Moses should assign men of integrity to be officers and judges of the people. They would bring to Moses only the most important issues and cases (18:21-22). Jethro concludes by saying: “So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. If you do this, and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people will go to their home in peace” (18:22-23).

There is so much in this story that informs our reflections on Can’t Do It Alone. In the concluding part of today’s devotion, I’ll share a couple of thoughts. I’ll finish up in next Monday’s devotion.

First, in this story we see that Moses was trying to govern and judge the people alone. Leaders often do this sort of thing, not necessarily because we are too full of ourselves, but rather because we’re wired to get going, work hard, and solve problems. We sometimes do things ourselves without really thinking clearly about collaborative options. Then we, like Moses, get in over our heads and start drowning in too much work. I can’t tell you how many times in life I have done this very thing. Getting exhausted from trying to do it alone is one of my superpowers, or I guess you could say my “superweaknesses.”

Second, I’m struck by the directness of Jethro, who begins his counsel to Moses by saying, “What you are doing is not good” (Exodus 18:17). Usually, it’s better to start off a little more gently, perhaps with genuine words of affirmation. But there are times when direct speech is best. Why does this work in the case of Jethro and Moses? We find an answer in several things Jethro says, “You will surely wear yourself out . . . . The task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone. . . . So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. If you do this, and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure” (18:18-23). It’s clear that Jethro is motivated by his desire for Moses’s well-being and success. He wants his son-in-law to endure and to thrive. If someone whom you know has your best in mind and at heart, then you’re much more likely to receive their criticism, even when it is direct.

I think, for example, of a pastor-friend of mine named Steve. He and I have collaborated on a number of projects related to the De Pree Center’s Flourishing in the Third Third of Life Initiative. Steve is someone who has not held back when it comes to offering critical counsel. He’s doing this, in part, because I have asked him to do it. But Steve is also being honest about our shortcomings because he wants our work to be the very best. He wants us to serve folks in the third third with excellence and life-changing relevance. I can receive Steve’s straightforward criticism for this reason. But I should add that Steve is also exceptionally affirming and encouraging. He doesn’t just tell me what’s wrong. Rather, he is generous in telling me what’s right. Plus, as in the case of Jethro, Steve’s critical comments are followed by practical suggestions which I have found to be extremely helpful.

So, the story of Jethro and Moses illustrates the truth that we can’t do it alone. This is an important reminder for those of us who are inclined to do things by ourselves when we clearly need help. Jethro’s example shows us that working with others will sometimes require critical communication. For this to happen well, the one dispensing criticism must care deeply for the receiver and for their common work. If we’re called upon to deliver a critical word, we must do it out of care for and commitment to the person we’re counseling. And we must both care about the work itself most of all.

Next week I’ll share two further reflections based on the story of Jethro and Moses. Today, you may wish to consider the following questions.

Banner image by Amy Hirschi on Unsplash.

Find all Life for Leaders devotions here. Explore what the Bible has to say about work at the unique website of our partners, the Theology of Work Project’s online commentary. Reflection on today’s Life for Leaders theme can be found here: The Work of Justice among the People of Israel (Exodus 18:1-27).

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