And when Moses’ father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even? And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to inquire of God: When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws. Exodus 18:14-16

Moses Father in Law, Jethro, came to visit him. Jethro saw all that God had done for Moses and the Israelites and praised and worshipped The Lord. However as a Father figure, Jethro was concerned that Moses was going to burn himself out. He saw everything Moses was doing and advised him to share the responsibilities with others

I think we can use this as the model for the Church also, just as the Israelites were not only Moses, the Church is not just a Pastor or One person. Its a community of believers. We need to share the responsibilities and gift God has given us. Nobody is built to handle everything on there own

And Moses’ father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone. Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God: Exodus 18:17-19

Even though Jethro was Moses father in law, He was Moses father figure. Its important to have those Father Figures or mentors in our lives. The wisdom of an elder , just as Paul was a Spiritual Father to Timothy. When we think of Moses, we think of a Bible Hero, a great prophet. But Jethro was being honest with Moses, your going to burn yourself out, you need to change!

And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: Exodus 18:20-21

Moses was his own greatest enemy, like most of us. He had the wisdom from God handed down to him, now he needs to share this wisdom and teach others Gods ways. Its our human nature to want to control everything and take over, however this is not a sustainable model. What happens when Moses finally dies? We must always prepare the next generation to take over and teach them the ways of God

This is why Church is important, because we are a Body of Believers, the Body of Christ. Its not about one person, its about training and mentoring people, its about raising our children in the way they should go. Amen!