Because
of the busy lives many of us lead, it’s not hard to recognize ourselves in the
over-extended situation of Moses in Exodus 18. As the sole judge for the
masses, he was surrounded “from morning until evening” (v.13) by people who
needed his help.
In fact,
I’ve had people—particularly young parents—tell me that they identify with
Moses. It seems that we need to learn two life skills for survival: an
eagerness to listen (v.24) and the willingness to accept help (v.25). Sometimes
we don’t accept help because of pride, but that’s not always the case.
With
Moses, and often with us, it’s simply that life is moving so quickly and making
so many demands on us (vv.13-15) that we barely have time to react—let alone to
contemplate or go to someone else for advice. Perhaps this is one reason the
Scriptures remind us to surround ourselves with counselors who will offer their
experience and wisdom even when we’re too busy to ask for it. We see this in
the story of what Jethro did for Moses when he told his son-in-law to delegate
some of his responsibilities (vv.17-23).
Don’t be
overwhelmed. Instead, seek godly counsel and then follow through on what you
are told.
He who
will not be counseled will not be helped. (RBC)
