moses and jethro leadership

When they complained about the lack of meat, He gave them quail until they cried, No more. The Lord had met their needs in a very miraculous way. 18:1-3). Enduring Word Bible Commentary Exodus Chapter 18 Jethro hears what God has done for Israel (v. 1). One should probably assume a "it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us" approach to the matter (see Acts 15:28). But with the help of his father-in-law, Jethro, Moses learned to In contrast tot he Amalekites, the Midianites give Israel a warm welcome. Besides, people are having to stand in line all day long just to get an audience with him. Secondly, the people grew weary waiting in line so long to receive his decision (Ex. And may God be with you! Indeed, what Moses has done will be repeated "throughout all the earth" (9:16) in the years to come. A third group, which will not be considered in detail at this point, encompasses the priests and the high priest with God-given responsibilities. Every Wednesday. Moses too was given a new direction in how to govern the people and woo it made a difference . They came to draw water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock. Augustine: Moses in fact took care to appoint teachers of reading and writing for God's people before they had any written record of God's law. That night he questioned Moses concerning what he had been doing for-those many hours. The problem is that Moses is overworked. In turn, as we seek and receive counsel from a variety of Jethros, may we be humble and teachable to their insights and suggestions. Because Jethro takes the time to observe, the Spirit helps him discern a new waya better wayfor Moses to manage his interactions with the Camp of Israel. While Jethro is not as prominent a character in Exodus as Moses, he is an important figure because of his wise counsel. 18Jethro, Midians priest and Moses father-in-law, heard about everything that God had done for Moses and for Gods people Israel, how the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt. Jethro holds no punches. Jethro hears, visits the community of faith, rejoices, gives thanks, confesses, presents an offering, and worships. The priest of Midian had seven daughters. "More Church Leaders | Stronger Church Leaders" Video Tool Kit, Right Questions for Church Leaders, Volume 3, Clergy Age Trends in the United Methodist Church, Keeping Our Sacred Trust: Assuring Financial Integrity, Preventing Misconduct Keeping Our Sacred Trust Online Ethics Training, 7 Mindset Shifts that Can Reshape Your Churchs Future, Leading Voices: Leadership is the Key to Success, 4 Tips for Experimenting with Change This Summer, Leading Voices: Leading Change Means Making it Easy for People to Do Hard Things, 50 Ways to Strengthen Ministry with Youth, 13 Dos & Donts for Incoming Cross-Racial and Cross-Cultural Pastors, 3 Key Skills for Leading in Todays Argumentative Climate, 7 Ideas for Making Vacation Bible School an Evangelism Opportunity, 2020 Lewis Center for Church Leadership of. Jethro also says, in an almost offhand way: God so commands this. Learn more and apply today for May 2024. Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, visited him, bringing. 25Moses chose capable persons from all Israel and set them as leaders over the people, as officers over groups of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. What some would call micro-management he called his daily task list. In vv. For he realized that from whatever intellect right counsel proceeded, it should be attributed not to him who conceived it but to the One who is the Truth, the immutable God. The people were satisfied, as all their minor issues were solved in a timely and effective manner. Why did you leave the man? Jethro is suggesting that Moses instruct the people as a whole so that they understand Gods expectations. 8Moses then told his father-in-law everything that the Lord had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians on Israels behalf, all the difficulty they had on their journey, and how the Lord had rescued them. He "rejoices in the good"; that is, he is completely taken with the news and delights as in a victory (Ps 21:1-7) or the birth of a child (Her 20:15). As for Christian writers, the Pulpit Commentary argues the same point. get to know the Bible better! He counseled Moses to select and train rulers to share his load. He does not need to control all details of judicial administration. > If Reuel and Jethro are the same person, what is the significance of these two names and what event prompted a change in name? and Aaron went forth towards him and met him at the Mount of God, he (Aaron) said to him, Who are these? He answered him, This is my wife whom I married in Midian and these are my children. Invite him to break bread." What is the significance of touching the foreskin to Moses' "feet," a common biblical euphemism for genitals? Web6. If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@biblegateway.com. God had led them across the Red Sea. He took Jethros recommendation went to the people and appointed judges. When On the other hand, God has indeed been Moses' "help", whereby Moses has survived and wrought the deliverance from Egypt. The next life lesson from Exodus 18, Moses and Jethro, is to be open to peoples advice. 18:1-7. When Israel finally had kings. This is a very significant consideration in light of the duties given these groups of leaders. Jethro All They oversaw the nations relationship with God; the elders dealt with governmental affairs; and the judges mediated civil matters. (10) Blessed be the LORD, Jethro said, who delivered you from the Egyptians and from Pharaoh, and who delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. For hundreds of years, they cried out, Thus saith the Lord. The juxtaposition affirms that this liberated community must develop institutions that will sustain and stabilize the exodus vision in daily social practice. Can one say about anything,Look, this is new? On the other hand, "help" reminds us that the community of faith is neither self-sufficient nor abandoned. This text shows that Israel has a crucial concern for institutional building, for the establishment of stable procedures and due process, which will make justice everywhere available and reliable. most of whom led the people away from the Lord, prophets were very prevalent. AFTER HIS HAVING SENT HER AWAY When God said to him in Midian, (Exodus 4:19, 20) Go, return to Egypt and Moses took his wife and his sons etc. Some Bible teachers argue that Moses never should have given this leadership to others. Instruct the entire community so that all can hear the vision. On the one hand, 'alien" reminds us that the community of faith is not "at home" in any cultural context, any more than Moses dared to be at home in Egypt. 2. II, p. 145) says, Jethro emphasized that Moses should determine the Lords will before accepting his suggestions . Early in Moses life, when he fled Pharaohs wrath and landed in Midian, he was welcomed by Jethro after helping the priests daughters draw water: And he [Jethro/Reuel] said unto his daughters, And where is he? 2 So Jethro went to Moses while Moses was camped near the mountain of God. Why is this an important skill to have in being a good leader? (23) If you do thisand God so commands youyou will be able to bear up; and all these people too will go home unwearied.. 3. The Septuagint attests that Moses appointed teachers of reading and writing for God's people (Augustine). Why Jethro? The Wisdom of What God Doesn Jethro gives public thanks (= blesses) to God for the deliverance that has been wrought. Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! Think about areas of your leadership that might need a Jethro a second opinion never hurts! 11Now I know that the Lord is greater than all the gods, because of what happened when the Egyptians plotted against them. 12Then Jethro, Moses father-in-law, brought an entirely burned offering and sacrifices to God. Jethro Confronts Moses Moses voices the testimony that comes most readily to Israel's lips: "God delivered," and "God led" on the way. They were to be brought into the Tabernacle with Moses to stand before the Lord. The best leaders are those that have developed a strong listening ear and show they are curious about the other person by asking powerful, open-ended questionssignaling theyre interested in learning more. The names of Moses' two sons provide an inchoate theological confession that characterizes not only Moses and early Israel, but also the community of faith whenever it is intentional about its dangerous call and destiny. Have them bring every major dispute to you, but let them decide every minor dispute themselves. He then asked questions Have you been tempted to criticise your boss, or colleague when you look at their method of working. You represent the people before God: you bring the disputes before God, (20) and enjoin upon them the laws and the teachings, and make known to them the way they are to go and the practices they are to follow. Hes seen how Moses spends his timesitting in the judges chair from morning until evening with a constant stream of his people coming by to gain his assessment on every matterand he wants to understand fully, so he asks Moses a number of questions. The story goes on, that the following day Moses (as was his routine) sat down to judge the people, and the father-in-law watched Moses as he went on his business all day (vs. 15-16). Our Heavenly Father never fails us. 4. Whatever faith Jethro may have had before, there is now a new content to his confession in view of God's creation of a new people. and what has been done is what will be done. He provides that which is necessary for our lives. We can clearly draw from this passage that the Spirit of God came upon these seventy elders. Moreover, he is to be the teacher of the community in the ways in which God would have the people to walk. Jethro publicly confesses that Yahweh is God of gods and Lord of lords. If that is so, this text is unique not only within a biblical framework but within the context of the ancient Near East as a whole, where there is no other evidence that women performed acts of blood sacrifice. During this visit, Moses reported to his father-in-law how the Lord had been working in their midst. Moses must give them appropriate responsibility. Try Bible Gateway Plus free today! I believe we all can benefit from his leadership advice and the way in which Moses receives it. They asked each other how they were doing, and then they went into the tent. Far above any human leadership in the Church today, we have an ultimate responsibility to Gods Leader, Christ. How does he do this all day!' (14) But when Moses father-in-law saw how much he had to do for the people, he said, What is this thing that you are doing to the people? They were chosen by God for a very special and unique ministry. Thus v. 12 serves to give institutional form and stability to the new faith of Jethro. Exodus-justice is compensatory, giving to the needy and disadvantaged well beyond what is deserved. Jethro fully discerns the power struggle that went on between Moses and Pharaoh and between the gods of Egypt and Yahweh. He did not criticise Moses job (vs 14)- He observed silently and realised that there was a problem, and no matter how great Moses was, whatever he was doing wasn't sustainable, it would eventually wear him off. The language of this "bridegroom of blood" episode is highly ambiguous and difficult to interpret. call him, that he may eat bread. Jethro goes on to not Leadership Lessons from Jethro Overview: Moses could take the good advice even of a pagan, his father-in-law, since all truth comes from God (Augustine). 18:8-12. Wise discernment of what seems prudent in this situation is believed to be just as much the will of God as a specific divine verbal communication. In most modern situations, in church and state alike, Moses would have gotten all the credit. Our ultimate responsibility when given advice is to seek Gods will for direction. It begins by relating how "on the way, at a place where they spent the night, Yahweh met him and tried to kill him" (4.24). Leadership Lessons from Moses - The Church of Jesus Christ of Advice can often mislead us. All Content 2023 Israel My Glory is an outreach ministry of the friends of israel gospel ministry |, We serve the meat of the word! 2. Several Jewish writers take exactly the same position as this writer. The challenge is to listen even when we think we have it right. The same verb for "tell" is used in 10:2 for communications to the children and the grandchildren. WebJethro-Moses model of leadership reveals that, leadership requires influencing, directing, and managing people. 14When Moses father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, Whats this that you are doing for the people? They had a continuing ministry of prophecy given by the Holy Spirit. Yet in Numbers 11:16, God specifically commanded Moses to gather seventy men from the elders of Israel. Exodus 18:13-27 Redemption and Good Order. Jethro #1 Jethro advised Moses to teach others Moses was the only one who knew the laws that the children of Israel were to live by. The outcome was a Why do you sit alone, while all the people are standing around you from morning until evening?, 15Moses said to his father-in-law, Because the people come to me to inquire of God. When a person feels understood they are more likely to be open to hearing the perspective of, and even feedback from, the person who understands them. Building a strong team not only helps to address current needs, but also sets the stage for a strong future. 4. Exodus 18:13-16 Moses was a hands-on leader. Blue Letter Bible Front Office Shift Leader at InterContinental Doha Beach and Spa, an IHG Hotel. (24) Moses heeded his father-in-law and did just as he had said. 17-23, by contrast, looks forward to the Sinai covenant and its legal provisions for a covenantal ordering of society in the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy. Moses All of these actions build a strong foundation of trust between the two leaders. First of all, verses 1-12. ( Exodus 18:1-6) Moses meets with Jethro, his father-in-law, in the desert of Midian. We may reflect on the odd juxtaposition of vv. 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:. They could deal with minor matters, with only the major ones coming before Moses. The Jethro Principle: The 3 Things You Can Do to Become Moses' energies are to be largely devoted elsewhere. Now the text is concerned with the quite practical matter of judicial procedure. Expressing concern for each other's welfare, they begin to reestablish family ties (it is not known when or why Moses' family had been separated). This is a community utterly amazed that it is given life in a context where no real life is on the horizon. The principles at work in the latter, the wisdom that God has built into the very structure of things, are important for the ordering of human life. 3. This is especially true when it seems like everything is going well and we do not need advice. And so Jethro gives Moses some excellent "worldly" advice (note from v. 13 the ad hoc character of his counsel). Four experiences from Mosess life can help us serve more Where-upon he said to him, We have cause to grieve over the former ones (the Israelites already there), and you propose to add to their number! Moses therefore said to her, Return to your fathers house she took her two sons and went away (Mekhilta d'Rabbi Yishmael 18:2). I can only imagine how exhausted Moses was at the end of each day. (vs. 5,6). When there was no water, the Lord provided it out of the smitten rock. You cant do it alone. In Exodus 18, while visiting his famous son-in-law, Jethro observes Mosess judicial administrative methods and then gives sage advice on delegation. 8. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. Jethro? Exodus 18:13-27 NLT - Jethros Wise Advice - Bible Gateway If we choose the right people for the team, then we need to trust them to do the work. If you would like to share this article in your newsletter or other publication, please review ourreprint guidelines. The responsibility for justice is thus dispersed throughout the community. (1) Jethro priest of Midian, Moses father-in-law, heard all that God had done for Moses and for Israel His people, how the LORD had brought Israel out from Egypt. He, thereupon, asked him, Whither are you taking them? He replied, To Egypt. 1. Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:. Instead he allowed Moses to struggle under an overbearing workload for a while and finally sends Jethro, Mosess father-in-law, to be an organizational consultant. As the wife of the great prophet, leader, and in some traditions priest of Israel, it would not be surprising for such origins to be attributed to hear. Jethro understands Moses unique role and doesnt want to usurp that. 19Now listen to me and let me give you some advice. The family relationship is no doubt a factor (see 2.15-22; 4.18-26), but it is deeper than that. Moses declares the good news to Jethro concerning all that God has done on behalf of Israel -- with no reference to his own considerable role. The Lord said to Moses in MIdian, "Go back to Egypt; for all those who were seeking your life are dead." The proposal includes (a) the recruitment of good people (v. 210); (b) their training and preparation (v. 20); (c) a system of courts for different social units (v. 21); (d) a "high court" over which Moses would preside (v. 220; and (e) continued affirmation that the entire system would be referred to the will of God (vv. In 4:18-20 Moses takes his wife and sons with his back to Egypt. Make it easier for yourself by letting them share the burden with you. The group of judges could have been as large as seventy-five thousand. Moses and Jethro Creating a Model of Leadership Elder Bednar calls the skill of being quick to observe a spiritual gift. The following verses clearly confirm that Jethros suggestion was of the Lord and that God approved his observation: Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you. WebSermons Search Results: Jethro Free Sermons and Sermon Outlines for Preaching : Sermons on jethro: showing 1-15 of 476 Sort By Scripture Rating 5 stars 4 stars or more 3 stars or more Any Rating Date Last Week Last Month Last 3 Months Last 6 Months Last Year Any Time Denominations *other (11) Anglican (2) Apostolic (3) Assembly Of God (25) Verses 1-12 focus on the declaration and confession of what God has done for Israel. Why? Perhaps I am reading into the text. (8) Moses then recounted to his father-in-law everything that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israels sake, all the hardships that had befallen them on the way, and how the LORD had delivered them. At the heart of all of this activity is the good news of what God has done. We can see in the account of the wilderness journey the precursor of both the judges who were soon to come, and the prophets who followed them and ministered for an extended period of time. (1-6) Moses meets with Jethro, his father-in-law, in the desert of Midian. Jethros advice to Moses is to quit making it all about yourself. Jethro counseled Moses: What you are doing is not good. What happens when that person is gone? 26They acted as judges for the people at all times. They should be trustworthy and not corrupt. All the leadership provided during the wilderness journey notwithstanding, Moses and the people of Israel that there was a higher authority. On two different occasions, Jethro emphasized that Moses seek the Lords will before accepting his suggestions (Ex. He is a model for the way in which biblical faith is heard and embraced by those once removed from the events. WebNumbers 11:16-30 New Living Translation Moses Chooses Seventy Leaders 16 Then the Lord said to Moses, Gather before me seventy men who are recognized as elders and leaders of Israel. They go into the tent (sanctuary). Jethro and Moses Part 1 - TRAVISSNODE.COM Moses, Jethro, and Asking for Help | Parashat Yitro This will be much easier for you, and they will share your load. The exchange between Moses and Jethro is a model of theological testimony. (ADS). It is the gospel of God's deliverance which prompts Jethro's various responses. Then we need to emulate Moses and be meek in our acceptance of feedback. Our common understandings of justice are Aristotelian in character, assuming that justice is a system of close retribution in which people receive their "just desserts." Notice several Jethro asks Moses why he shoulders such an impossible burden. Moses is not very good at delegating! Jethro is not highlighted as often as Moses. Jethro is an example of a wise and seasoned leader. Common English Bible (CEB). WebMoses explained to Jethro that he had to judge differences among the people by giving them the statutes of the Lord ( Ex. The units have in common the key role of Jethro, but the subject is completely different. Such a system will save Moses from burnout, but more important, it will let the community go home in harmony and wholeness, free of conflict, enjoying a stable, shared welfare (v. 23). 33:7-11). Leaders must listen to what is happening around them and not just bury their heads in their work.And Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses father-in-law, heard of This response to God's activity echoes other texts (e.g., I Kings 8:56-61; Ps. 23If you do this and God directs you, then you will be able to endure. Fred Hartman is the former National Field Director for The Friends of Israel. In Deuteronomy 1, Moses reflected upon the wilderness journey. And all these people will be able to go back to their homes much happier.. In Exodus 18, we read an account of a conversation that Moses had with his father-in-law, Jethro, where Jethro gives Moses (13) Next day, Moses sat as magistrate among the people, while the people stood about Moses from morning until evening. The lineage, actions, and title ("prophet") attributed to Miriam, as well as Zipporah's connections to a priestly household (2.16) and an apparently sacrificial act (4.25), point to a cultic status that was forgotten or repressed in the compilation of the text as it has been handed down. Bring them to the Tabernacle[ a] to stand there with you. He heard about the Lord leading the Israelites out of Egypt. Jethro was called the Priest of Midian, meaning he held a faith leadership role for the people of Midian. But when we end up in that place, the reality is we are going to wear ourselves out and do the community we serve a disservice. As is too often the case, the one who presents the suggestion for improvement moves on to other things. Jethro receives the news and is immediately convicted by it. This community is by definition "alien" to every culture, living only by the 'help" of God. Listen to good advice. We have a God-given responsibility to those in leadership authority. 1:9-18). Jethro has observed that Moses, in his capacity of deciding cases brought before him, is trying to do everything all by himself (see Judg.4:4-5; II Sam. This article is reprinted by permission from Leading Ideas, a free e-newsletter from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary available at churchleadership.com. Now they needed direction for daily living. 18 Youre going to wear yourself outand the people, too. why is it that ye have left the man? It is important for leaders to listen to others. They were sent by God with His message. Jethro is the subject of all of this activity except for the crucial element of witness on Moses' part in verse 8. And Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel His people that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt. WebJethro Advises Moses 24 Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. You can also subscribe without commenting. 17-23), and the resolution by Noses (vv. He made provision for their food in the form of manna. Additional wise counsel from Elder Maxwell, Prophets need tutoring, as do we all. Accepting tutoring from inspired advisors, and sharing the load with counselors, is a significant part of the divine design of the Lords Church. For many of them the Jethro Principle of leadership found in Exodus 18 is their proof text for a vast system of delegated leaders overseeing the massive bureaucracy of the mega-church. He saw a leader whose potential was being throttled by the tyranny of the urgent. actions ascribed to Moses, especially in the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. (2) So Jethro, Moses father-in-law, took Zipporah, Moses wife, after she had been sent home, (3) and her two sonsof whom one was named Gershom, that is to say, I have been a stranger in a foreign land; (4) and the other was named Eliezer, meaning, The God of my father was my help, and He delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh. (5) Jethro, Moses father-in-law, brought Moses sons and wife to him in the wilderness, where he was encamped at the mountain of God. How would the Lord handle spiritual matters? Jethro delivers a conventional doxological blessing that acknowledges and celebrates Yahweh as the giver of new life. WebScripture: Exodus 18: 1, 6-27 Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for his people Israel, how the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, came into the wilderness where Moses was encamped at the mountain of God, bringing Moses' sons and wife to him. We do not know, but my guess is Moses did not intend to make it all about himself. As Jethro observed, he thought of a 'Better way' and gave the suggestion to Moses. Jethro thus proposes a judicial system, distinct from he primitive practice of one-man adjudication. Moses freed to learn spiritual matters. They said, "An Egyptian helped us against the shepherds; he even drew water for us and watered the flock." When we build a team, we must trust the team to do the work. Jethro exudes the kind of confidence in his own plan that it will in fact be in tune with God's own will for the situation. Jethro confesses that Yahweh is more powerful, more reliable, and more worthy of allegiance than any other god, even the gods of Egypt. Moses needed to devote himself to spiritual matters (Gregory the Great). Like Elder Maxwell said, Blessed are the meek, for they are neither easily offended by counsel nor aggravated by admonition.. Because Jethro has built a foundation of trust, and taken time to listen to and observe Moses, he boldly shares his thoughts and recommendations in a spirit of love. And I will come down and talk with thee there, and I will take of the Spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them, and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone (Num.
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