Just reading his resume leaves you panting for breath! Statesman, shepherd, prophet, advisor, prayer warrior, administrator, judge, lawgiver, architect, military strategist, husband and father were all titles appropriated by Moses. How did he keep it all straight without a Day Timer©, Palm© or even an appointment secretary? Well, the truth is it almost did him in. The story of Moses might not be so legendary if not for a providential reunion with his father-in-law.
Despite the disdain often associated with in laws Moses’ marriage netted him more than a wife, it provided wisdom as well. Jethro meets Moses and learns of God’s mighty deliverance in the Exodus. It is enough to convince the old, pagan priest that our God is the true God (18: 11). He rejoices in God’s work through his son-in-law but his joy is short-lived for the next day he witnesses the Wilderness Complaint Department at work. Moses listens hour after long tedious hour to the incessant grumbling of God’s people. It is enough to drive a man insane. Jethro has a better idea.
Moses was not to surrender his role as the number one intercessor for Israel nor was he to abdicate his place as teacher (18: 19 – 20) but others were to be recruited to listen to the myriad needs and disputes of the people. Quality men were required (18: 21) for this heavy lifting. These would be select persons who would bear Moses’ burden with him (18: 22). Simply put, “If you want to do the work of a hundred men get a hundred men.”
Some things in life cannot and should not be delegated. We cannot give away our walk with God or the calling which we have been gifted for. Everything else that can be delegated should be delegated freeing us up to be the best at what we are best at. The Apostles learned the same lesson (Acts 6: 2 – 4) in the rapidly growing church.
Most of us never realize anything approaching our full potential. It is neither because we are not gifted nor because we are uncommitted. Ben Franklin is disserved by the misquotation: “Jack of all trades and master of none.” What the Philadelphian actually said was, “Jack of all trades and master of one.” The old maxim is still valuable: Devote eighty percent of your effort to what yields eighty percent of the results.
God has with sovereignty and wisdom distributed His gifts throughout His church so that nothing goes lacking but lack it will unless we discover what God has determined for us and do it passionately without unnecessary interruptions from things God never intended us to do.