“And Moses said unto his father-in-law, Because the people come unto me to inquire of God.”
Context: In the book of Exodus, the Israelites had been delivered from slavery in Egypt and were journeying toward the Promised Land. In this particular verse, Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, had come to visit him in the wilderness. Jethro observed how Moses was overwhelmed with the task of judging and settling disputes among the people, and he offered his advice on delegation.
Importance of Seeking God: The verse begins with Moses stating that the people come to him to inquire of God. This highlights Moses’ role as the leader and mediator between God and the Israelites. The people recognized Moses’ close relationship with God and sought his guidance and wisdom in matters of judgment and decision-making.
The Burden of Leadership: Moses’ statement reveals the weight of responsibility he felt as the sole judge and arbiter of disputes among the Israelites. The sheer number of people seeking his counsel put a tremendous strain on him, both physically and mentally. This situation sets the stage for Jethro’s wise counsel in the following verses.
The Importance of Delegation: In the subsequent verses (Exodus 18:16-27), Jethro advises Moses to delegate his responsibilities by appointing capable leaders to handle smaller cases while reserving the more significant issues for Moses. By doing so, Moses would be able to share the burden of leadership and ensure a more efficient administration of justice.
Lessons for Leaders: This passage offers valuable lessons for leaders today. Leaders, no matter how capable or anointed, should not carry the entire burden of responsibility alone. Delegation allows leaders to focus on crucial matters, prevents burnout, and empowers others to develop their leadership skills. Effective delegation can lead to greater productivity, improved decision-making, and the growth of individuals within the organization.
Seeking God’s Guidance: Moses’ role as the people’s mediator highlights the importance of seeking God’s guidance in leadership and decision-making. As leaders, it is crucial to rely on God’s wisdom and discernment rather than solely depending on our own understanding. Seeking God’s counsel through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking wise counsel from others can help leaders make informed decisions that align with God’s will.
Overall, Exodus 18:15 reminds us of the significance of seeking God’s guidance in leadership, the importance of delegation, and the value of sharing responsibilities. It offers practical insights for leaders today and emphasizes the need for humility, wise decision-making, and reliance on God’s wisdom in all aspects of leadership.
