Jethro’s Suggestion

Jethro’s Suggestion

Q: What did Moses’ father-in-law suggest Moses do?

• a. stone the complaining Israelites
• b. travel more hours during the day
• c. appoint people under him as leaders to take some of the responsibility off of himself

Moses had a lot of responsibility in leading the millions of Israelites who had left Egypt under his care. People would come to him for advice and to settle their disputes. Moses would try to solve the people’s problems and teach them about God and God’s laws at the same time.

Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, came to visit him. He saw Moses was under a lot of stress trying to solve everyone’s problems from morning to night. He gave Moses some advice. Jethro told Moses to choose honest and capable men to be in charge of groups of people. They could solve the minor problems for the people they were in charge of and only bring the most serious problems to Moses.

This plan worked well, and Moses was able to concentrate on being the right kind of leader for the people without feeling so stressed.

It’s easy for those in charge to try to do everything themselves, but Jethro’s advice was good. Things go better if you share the work with other capable people. This worked for Moses, and it still works today.

For You

It’s easy to try to do too much even if you’re not in a leadership position like Moses was. If you feel stressed or under pressure, take a look at all you’re trying to accomplish. See if there are changes you need to make. You, like Moses, might need some help.

Answer: c

Select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you.   Exodus 18:21-22

(The Whole Story: Exodus 18)