Good Morning.

Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. (Exodus 18:21)

To his credit, Jethro didn’t simply point out a problem as many like to do; he addressed the problem and then offered a solution. In addition to the acknowledgment that Moses needed help, he also laid out suggested requirements for those who would be called upon to help Moses judge the people. 

They were to be “able men” which is to say, men of accomplishment; they were to be men who had done something with their lives using the talents and skills God had entrusted to them. To put it plainly, they would not be lazy and apathetic by nature. They were to be men who feared God, and as such, were inclined to be men who loved and embraced the truth. If they feared God, most likely they would not fear men and, therefore, not be influenced by them so easily. Thus, they were to be men who hated unjust gain, meaning they would not be easily tempted by those who would try to influence their judgment. 

Of course, they also had to possess a knowledge and appreciation of God’s Law which also means they had to be able to recognize the truth and apply it in various circumstances. Like Moses, they also needed discernment. Once in place, these men would serve as judges over ten, fifties, hundreds and thousands. That meant that everyone could make their case without one man being overwhelmed and the people could have their grievances heard and acted upon quicker. 

What does this have to do with us today? Because God consented to this arrangement, we must conclude that our God is a God of order, and as such, expects that we have order in our lives, our families and our congregations. As it is written, “God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 1 Corinthians 14:33). Therefore, if it becomes needful, it is our responsibility to heed sound advice and seek out those servants of the Most High who can help us serve Him better. In this scenario, there is no place for pride nor an unwillingness to relinquish some control to the care of others. No one can do it all but, together, we all can accomplish much as Messiah leads and directs.

Blessings and Shalom,  

Bill  

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