Daily Devotional

This suggestion came from Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, when he saw Moses sit in judgment of the people all day long from morning until evening. Jethro counseled Moses to appoint men over smaller groups so that only the great matters were brought to him. Not only would this be easier and Moses would have others to help bear the burden, but the result would be that Moses would “be able to endure and all the people would also go home in peace.” (Vs. 23)
 
I am not a good delegator. What I tell myself is that the time it takes to make the phone calls and line up the people to help will be more than if I just do the work myself. But that is truly a misconception (and sometimes the task is too insurmountable for one person). When I follow that line of thinking and begin working on the project, the stress of the work grows and the deadline for getting it done looms bigger and bigger until I am forced to ask for help.
 
I love that this comes on the heels of a prime picture of this counsel put into practice. God had already shown Moses in a real and practical way that having a team by his side made the burden easier to bear.
 
“Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. And Moses said to Joshua, “Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.” So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.”
 
This was a great reminder to me that allowing others to come alongside me not only makes the load easier, but also allows for the blessing for community and fellowship with one another and can make way for the opportunity to share the “good news” with a wider audience.
 
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.