You Cannot Do It Alone

Exodus 18:1–5 (ESV) Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel his people, how the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt. 2 Now Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, had taken Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her home, ...5 Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, came with his sons and his wife to Moses in the wilderness where he was encamped at the mountain of God.

No one is meant to bear the burden of God's work in people alone. 

Moses had done all that God said to do in Egypt. He confronted Pharaoh, he performed the signs, he did not back down and he led them out of Egypt. Not only that, but the original commission of God is made complete here in Exodus 18. Notice that Jethro comes to meet him at the mountain of God where the people are encamped to worship God. 

Remember the original call from God was to do just that:
Exodus 3:12 (ESV) “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”

As far as we know, God had NEVER commissioned Moses to be judge and jury for all the people once they arrived at the Mountain. But Moses was doing so. It tells us just that in the chapter:

Exodus 18:13 (ESV) The next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening.

Herein lies one of the common traps of ministry and church leadership. You are called to do one particular thing for the Lord and when it is finished you jump headlong into something that is far too much for you.  Ministry can become a personal addiction to prove we are gifted or effective. It can lure us into creating value in what we do rather than the Love God has for us.

Working for the Lord can often overbear the Lord of the work. Moses has not stopped since Exodus 3. In his mind, the Lord's people needed a deliver AND a judge and he can play both parts.

Thankfully, God will bring others who come in to our lives like Jethro and confront our Messiah complex. There is only One who can serve as both judge and deliverer of all the people. Moses is not it. 

Let us not forget that Jethro was a priest. He spent time with God. Moreover, while the weight of Moses' mission was on his shoulders, Jethro is home enjoying family and his grandchildren (for Moses has sent them to him during the heat of his trial with Pharaoh). What a contrast of experiences. Yet it is perhaps for this very reason Jethro is so able to confront Moses. He has not been so immersed in the work that he cannot hear from God. We need people like that. People who can come to us from outside the arena and tell it like it is.

Jethro is frank and caring in his address:

Exodus 18:17–20 (ESV) Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. 18 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. 19 Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God, 20 and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do.

Notice the argument Jethro makes about Moses' actions:
1. There are things leaders can do that seem good but aren't.
2. An over worked leader creates over stressed disciples.
3. God's presence comes from listening to other Godly leaders who speak into our lives.
4. Giving away leadership only increases one's leadership potential.

Going it alone in leadership is addictive. The tendency is to think we know best and so we should handle it. True leadership is about doing what God has called you and passing it on. Moses was never commissioned for what he started doing here in Exodus 18. He had to learn how to let go of the ministry and responsibility so that everyone could move forward in peace.

Will the church today do the same?