Godly Wisdom
I spent the day in Denver today. This morning I was at the Capitol with UCount team members as a tribute was read in the Senate Chambers recognizing the 10th anniversary of the UCount campaign to fight human trafficking and to support the rescue of victims caught in the web of his terrible crime. Thanks to Senator John Kefalas for his support and offering the tribute.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “The next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening. When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?” Exodus 18:13-14 ESV
This passage is viewed as a classic passage that sets in order a style of “organizational management.” But there is really much more to it than just organization. We see this advice given by Moses’ father-in-law, who was known as the “Priest of Midian.” The Bible refers to Moses as, “the most humble man on the face of the earth.” (Numbers 12:3)
This account may be evidence of that fact. Moses could have taken the attitude of “God speaks directly to me.” “I am the one the Lord used to announce the plagues on Egypt. It was with my rod. I am the leader of God’s people and I know what I am doing.” But we see none of those human responses of pride, arrogance or defensiveness.
It is note-worthy that these instructions were not given directly by God to Moses. They came from human observation and wisdom. I like the Proverb that says, “Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.” (Proverbs 9:9 NIV)
These instructions came when Jethro came to visit his daughters, grandchildren and Moses. He heard of all that had transpired and observe what was taking place and asked an important question, “why are you doing, what you are doing?” Often it takes someone from the “outside” to see what we don’t see. Perhaps that is why the role of consultants can be helpful to organizations. There may be talented and smart people in the organization, but sometimes they fail to see what someone from the “outside” can see.
What I also observe is the concern for Moses as the leader and the people he was leading. “What you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone.” (Exodus 18:17,18 ESV) Moses approach to “sitting as sole judge over the people” was going to wear him out and frustrate the people. In the long run, God’s people and God’s leader would not be well served.
Jethro was willing to speak up. “Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you!” (Exodus 18:19 ESV) He could have felt that is “wasn’t his place” to say anything. But out of concern for Moses and the people, he was willing to speak up. One of the worst things a leader can hear from someone is, “I didn’t think that was a good idea, but I was afraid to say anything!”
This one visit by an “outsider” by a man who loved Moses and wanted to sustain what God was doing among His people not only impacted Moses and God’s people, but created an approach to “delegation and organizational management” that can seen down through the ages. Often the Lord speaks, more often than not, God’s wisdom comes from “unlikely” places and individuals.
Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You for the ways You choose to help Your people in practical ways. Often Your voice and will is reflected through the wisdom You give to others who are willing to, “speak into our life.” Help us to be open to what others say. Help us to be willing to share and be Your voice to others.