SCRIPTURE: Exodus 18
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. [Luke 10:1-2] Why do we try to do things on our own? Why do we refuse to ask for help, and ruin ourselves taking on more than we can handle? Jethro is right, “The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone” [Exodus 18:18].
Stress and burnout have reached crisis levels. Instead of addressing the problem, people are taking medication to alleviate the symptoms, and keep on doing too much. Eventually we will crash. In the church, it is often said that 20% of the people do 80% of the work. Often the problem is not just those who do not work (80%?) but those who do too much (20%).
Jesus knew that restoring this world is not a one-man show. Jesus equips the twelve apostles and the 72 missionaries, sending them out two-by-two. God saw from the beginning that it was not good for Adam to work alone, and made him a suitable partner to assist him [Genesis 2:18].
We first need to recognize where we are going it alone, doing too much. We need to pray, to discern what we should be doing, and what we need to let go. We need to surrender these tasks to the Lord in prayer, asking Him to raise up others to take on these roles/tasks. We need to evaluate WHAT we are doing. Is it necessary work, or a distraction from what God designed us for, and called us to? Satan loves to distract us from the necessary or important things by prompting us to do the urgent or even unimportant. And we need to partner ourselves with others. The two-by-two idea makes so much sense. For accountability, support, encouragement, strength in numbers, having a team is so much better than going it alone..
God’s kingdom work is serious business, whether leading the Israelites (Moses) establishing the church (Jesus) or fulfilling our kingdom task. Heed the wisdom of God, as seen through Jesus and Jethro, and gather a team around you. Do what is necessary and important, praying and trusting that God will raise up other capable, trustworthy workers to do the other tasks.
PRAYER:
Lord, forgive me for thinking I can do more than You. Help me to delegate, to drop things, or to gather a team to support me in my kingdom work.
Telling the story of God’s presence in our life is important. When Jethro came Moses greeted him and then proceeded to tell the great things the Lord God had done. They fellowshipped together with God. What stories am I sharing, telling to my family and extended family? Am I too telling God’s faithfulness in my life? And when I fellowship together, how is God’s presence seen or shown to be present? Help me daily Lord to share Your great faithfulness in my life – the wonderful things You have done for me.
Not only did Moses tell of God’s mighty works to others but he also had an open mind. He took the advice of his father-in-law readily. All too often those in the work of God’s kingdom go it alone, doing their thing, their ministry. It become dependent upon them and the ministry will end when they leave or die. God has given workers for His kingdom to help one another, encourage one another, support one another. Not only is this passage about delegating, but also seeing a new way of doing things. All too often we have a closed mind thinking that our way is the best way. When alternatives are offered, look at them. It is always better to work in company for if the one falls down, then the other is there to pick him up.
Thank You Lord for the team of which I am a part of at QCS. Together we can make a difference and with Your blessing and gudance throughout this new year, we will.
Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but Thou art mighty;
Hold me with Thy powerful hand.
Bread of Heaven, Bread of Heaven,
Feed me till I want no more;
Feed me till I want no more.
Open now the crystal fountain,
Whence the healing stream doth flow;
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
Be Thou still my Strength and Shield;
Be Thou still my Strength and Shield.