Scripture: Exodus 18:8-28, 17-24
Key Insights
The thinking of Moses:
- Moses believed that every request for his help made the matter his responsibility.
- Moses seemed to assume that because people came to him personally for help it was his responsibility to help them personally.
- Moses wrongly reasoned that because his task was to lead the entire nation, he must do so by dealing with people one at a time.
- Moses seems to have assumed that no one else was able to do what he was doing.
- Moses seems to have lost sight of his unique gifts and calling.
Some Principles of Leadership
- Be in control.
- Balance the principle of servanthood with that of stewardship.
- Leadership is shepherding, and shepherding involves a flock.
- Leaders must be managers.
- Leadership involves both public and private obligations, neither of which can be sacrificed entirely for the other.
- Leadership must deal with problems, but must guard against becoming consumed with them.
Jethro’s Advice
- Similar to the principle applied by the church in the New Testament. (Acts 6:1-7)
- Similar to the principles which individual leaders in the New Testament applied to their ministries. – (Mark 3:20-21, Mark 1:32-39, Matthew 4:12, 12:15, 14:13, 15:21, Luke. 9:10, 22:41, John 6:16)
These principles apply to every Christian, whether a leader or not.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you lead the people God has entrusted into your hands?
- Do you easily delegate duties to other people?
Prayer Points:
- Grace to determine at every step those things which should be under our control but are not, and ask God to enable us to do so.
- Wisdom to plan for both our private world and for our public ministry, without neglecting either.
- Grace to differentiate between the crises of our lives and the calling of our lives, so that we can minimize the former and maximize the latter.
- Determine to facilitate the ministry of others by functioning as a Jethro to the many Moseses around us.
