Who's in Charge Anyway??

Exodus 18:18-23

Has anyone ever told you they don't know how you do all that you do?  And you smile and say, oh, I have a lot of energy?  Have you ever thought, deep down, that perhaps you need to learn how to set limits/learn how to say no/take time to be recharged and refreshed?  I bet if we're honest, most of would say that sometimes our lives are like a roller coaster - we're up and down, up and down, and we don't think through how we got on the ride in the first place and where we're going once we're on.  Or, even more ominous, we chose to ride on the roller coaster, and we are operating under the illusion that we're in control of our life and things are going well, thank you very much.

I think Moses' life was a little like that.  He led the Jews out of Egypt, overcoming incredible odds.  Now they are wandering in the wilderness, and, like all groups of diverse people, disputes break out from time to time.  Moses serves as the judge for all their arguments, sitting from 'morning until evening' making decisions for them (v. 13).  His father in law asks him why no one is helping him.  Moses replies, "Because the people come to me to seek God's will. (v. 16)." (emphasis is mine)  While this is wonderful that Moses possesses godly wisdom, Jethro cuts to the quick and points out that Moses is wearing himself out:  "the work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. (v. 18)".  He gives him advice for how to divide up the work, and, as we know from reading later in the chapter, the results were that others gained valuable leadership experience and Moses had much-needed rest and refreshment.

So - you're not leading your people to the Promised Land, you say?  Maybe not, but what task or responsibility or assignment are you holding onto that you need to share with others? Moses thought that everyone needed to come to him for advice.  When he appointed judges to serve under him, he saw that the people's needs were taken care of much better than when he tried to do it all by himself.

Do we see that model operate in the workplace?  Do we even see it in the church?  Where can you come alongside a fellow believer and lighten the load for him or her?  Or are you that person who needs to ask others for help?  Jethro's insights were spot-on when he said "if you do this [divide responsibilities with others] and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied. (v. 23)" 

When we give up authority, and give it to God, everyone wins.  This passage challenges me to examine my life and see where I am hoarding opportunities for growth for others, and to see where I need to recognize that God, not me, is in charge. 

Lord, it's hard to give up control - to others, and yes, to you.  But what freedom I have when I do that.  Shine a light on what I need to give up, and help me recognize how much I can grow when I give it all to you.  Amen.