TODAY’S WORD FOR THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 22, 2016.
COUNSEL
An interchange of opinion; consultation; advice.
So Moses heeded the voice (counsel) of his father-in-law and did all that he said.
Exodus 18:24.
Because of the busy lives that many of us have it is not hard to recognize ourselves in an over-extended situation such as Moses was in as recorded in Exodus 18. As God’s chosen leader of the Israelites, Moses had a huge responsibility. He had to teach the Children of Israel God’s laws and show them how to live lives that were pleasing to God. Moses was also the sole judge for all of the Children of Israel (about 2 million) and he was surrounded, “from morning until evening” (verse 13) by people who needed his help and counsel.
When Jethro came to visit Moses, his son-in-law, he saw that he had more work than he could handle alone (verse 17). He counseled Moses to appoint trustworthy men to handle simple cases and to bring only the difficult cases to Moses. This would give Moses more time to do what was more important which was teaching God’s decrees and laws to the people.
We must be willing to let go of things in life of lesser importance and do what is the most important not from our perspective but from God’s perspective. When we take council about what we should or should not do it is important to consider the source of that council. Moses was willing to take Jethro’s counseling because Jethro was trustworthy and wise. Moses knew Jethro to be a man who was God-fearing and honored God in all things.
We have talked to many people over the years, particularly parents that identify with Moses. They are overburdened and stressed out because they have too much on their plate. It seems that we need to learn two life skills for survival in today’s world.
First, we need to have an eagerness to listen to wise counsel as Moses did to his father-in-law in the verse we wrote above and then act on it. People often ask for advice but do not always accept the advice.
Secondly, we need to develop a willingness to accept the help of quality people as Moses did. In verse 25 we read that Moses chose able men to assist him and made them heads over people. Moses took Jethro’s counsel and proceeded to act on it.
Many are not willing to listen to others and they do not want to accept help. This is mostly because of pride. But sometimes it is only because life is moving so swiftly for us and making so many demands on us that we barely have time to react, let alone to contemplate or go to someone for advice.
Many people would rather do something themselves to make sure it is done the way they want it to be done. Others say that it is easier to do it themselves rather than take the time to train someone else. But the scripture is very clear when it tells us to surround ourselves with trustworthy counselors who will offer their wisdom and experience even when we are too busy to ask for it.
Moses recognized that wise counsel comes from God and includes God. His father-in-law Jethro, told Moses that if he followed his advice he must do it only if God commanded him to do it (Exodus 18:23). Jethro also advised Moses that those men that Moses chose to help him must be men who feared God and are trustworthy.
We can all learn from Moses and his father-in-law. Do not put yourself in the position of being overwhelmed. Instead, seek Godly counsel and then follow through on what you are told. God will go before you and lead you in His steps. Also remember that he who will not be counseled will not be helped.
Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalms 4:7
You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the season that their grain and wine increased.
Lord, give me the ears to hear advice from not only You but loved ones, friends and family who obey You and are wise and humble. When I face challenges in my life that are overwhelming don’t let my pride keep me from accepting help from others who are trustworthy and love you.
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