Moses’ Story: Sharing the Burden

Exodus 18

The Ten Signposts of the Bible
CAMDE—400—CALY
Creation. Abraham. MOSES. David. Elijah. 400. Christ. Apostles. Letters. Yet-to Come.

MOSES
Israel enslaved. Moses rescued. Midian. Burning bush. Excuses. 
Plagues. Passover. Exodus. Manna. Banner. 

I firmly believe that all sound business principles are based on Scripture. Find any effective leadership principle, and I assure you there is a verse or passage supporting it. All truth ultimately points back to the Creator, who made us in his image. 

Certainly, the Bible was not written as a guide to leadership. Its themes reveal who God is, who we are, how to know God, and how to walk with him. However, because the Bible is God’s story through his people, we find valuable principles that relate to our vocation and calling. 

Today tells a remarkable story about leadership.

At some point during the plagues, the exodus, or after crossing the Red Sea, Moses sent his wife, Zipporah, and their two sons back to Midian to stay with Jethro, his father-in-law, and the rest of the family.

Now it’s time for them to be reunited.

Jethro brought Moses’ family to the place in the wilderness where Israel was camped (Ex. 18:5). When they arrived, Moses greeted them and bowed to his father-in-law, a sign of great respect (Ex. 18:7). 

Moses and Jethro spent time catching up. Moses told his father-in-law “all that the Lord had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardship that had come upon them in the way, and how the Lord had delivered them. And Jethro rejoiced for all the good that the Lord had done to Israel, in that he had delivered them out of the hand of the Egyptians (Ex. 18:8-9).

It is uncertain whether Jethro believed in Yahweh at this point. After hearing about everything that happened in Egypt, Jethro said, “Blessed be the Lord, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of Pharaoh and has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods, because in this affair they have dealt arrogantly with the people” (Ex. 18:10-11). Moses and Jethro then worshiped God together and shared a meal (Ex. 18:12).

The next day, Moses carried out his daily duties of judging the issues people brought before him. We are not told the details of the cases, but one can assume there were marriage disputes, neighbor disagreements, and incidents of physical injury. With over two million people, there was no shortage of disputes requiring Moses’ attention. But that was the problem. Moses worked from morning until evening, and people waited from morning until evening (Ex. 18:13-16). 

That’s when Moses’ father-in-law stepped in.

Observing the lines of people and backlog of cases, Jethro said, “What you are doing is not good. 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” (Ex. 18:17-18).

Then Jethro taught Moses about delegation. He reminded Moses that there were things only Moses could do. Only Moses could represent the people before God and teach the laws and “make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do” (Ex. 18:19-20). But there were other responsibilities Moses needed to share with others. Jethro said,  

Exodus 18:21-23
Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace.

Moses listened to Jethro's advice and followed it. He appointed capable men to judge the people, and the difficult cases were brought to him (Ex. 18:24-26). 

For the Weekend Recharge, I will share some delegation principles I have taught to church leaders, which also apply to business leaders. But for now, let’s focus on what I believe is the main point of this important passage. 

In the battle against the Amalekites (Ex. 17:8-16) and now in his role as judge, Moses learned firsthand that he could not lead alone. He needed Aaron and Hur to hold his hands up and Joshua to lead the army. Now he needed others to help him with the many cases that required authoritative, godly judgments.

Leaders become ineffective and dangerous when they act alone. They need others to support, challenge, and refine their approach. Weak and insecure leaders either lead solo or are surrounded by weak “Yes” men and women. Isolated leaders often have an unhealthy need for control, struggle to trust others, and react from personal insecurity. 

God appointed Moses to lead his people and show what godly, humble leadership truly looks like. Sharing the burden with other like-minded believers is part of God’s plan for servant leadership. 

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD 
Read and reflect on Exodus 18. Who has permission to lovingly confront you when you are out of balance?

Talking to God: Talk to God honestly about your leadership at work and at home. Do you listen to others? Do you lead on your own? 

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