Teaching Lifts the Counseling Load

 Scripture:

“Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.”  ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭18:20-21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Observation:

Moses’ father-in-law saw what he was doing in hearing all the cases and problems of the people of Israel.  He realized that Moses could never continue to do all he was doing, but must delegate what could be delegated.  He told Moses to focus on teaching and showing people how to live and behave, which will cause less judging to need to be done, then Select men who can hear the cases and bring only the really difficult ones to Moses.  

Application:

I’ve never heard anyone say this before, but Jethro was basically telling Moses that he could teach the people God’s ways and he would have less counseling and judging to do.  He was also telling him to raise up other judges, but in focusing on teaching, Moses would help the people learn how to live, which in turn, lightens the judging load.  

Prayer:

Father, help me to teach Your people well.  Help me to teach and train in righteousness so the people of God can prosper and grow in You, requiring less counseling and intervention.  Help me to help people well.  Empower me to teach Your ways and to show people how to live so they don’t need as much intervention.

Your Son,

Jeff