Good Morning.
So Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing that you do is not good. Both you and these people who are with you will surely wear yourselves out. For this thing is too much for you; you are not able to perform it by yourself.” (Exodus 18:17-18)
As I pointed out yesterday, even men like Moses need help from time to time and his father-in-law was the one who pointed out what should have been obvious to everyone –- this task was too much for one man. Consequently, he made suggestions of how to improve the situation and lighten the load upon Moses but he also made it clear that his recommendations were contingent on God’s approval.
He suggested a system of delegated authority and what amounted to a lower court system under the watchful eye of Moses. It was still left to Moses to teach the people God’s laws and statutes but others could help in the execution of these standards. Jethro encouraged Moses to “select” such men that were suited to the task. The Hebrew root that is translated as “select” is chazah which means “to gaze, have a vision” -– to see that which is normally not visible. This word implies that Moses was to look beyond what was apparent on outside. He would need to use prophetic insight and discernment when it came to selecting these men.
To amplify the point, consider what happened when Samuel was sent to anoint a new king over Israel in place of Saul. When he saw Jesse’s older son, Eliab, he thought for sure this would be the one God had selected. However, God told him, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7). Of course, the one who was ultimately anointed as king was David — a man after God’s own heart.
Thus we learn that, oftentimes, those that appear to “able” are rejected in favor of the one who is able. Those who are selected to lead and assist God’s people are those who have a heart for God and His purposes and who can be trusted to guide His people faithfully. In turn, they should seek for other men who display these same characteristics so that God’s will and purpose can go forth unfettered and unpolluted by those who are spiritually blind or selfish. Finally, it behooves us all to have vision — an ability to look beyond the surface of a situation and see the heart of the matter — for our own benefit and for the benefit of God’s people at large.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
Recent Comments