Moses was tired. He was trying to do it all—be the leader of Israel along with countless other duties. One of his responsibilities was to be the nation's judge over personal disputes.
When Jethro, Moses's father-in-law, caught up with him at Mount Sinai, he could not believe what he was seeing. To say that Moses's time was spread thin is a gross understatement. In fact, he was one step away from mental and emotional burnout. We read that Jethro wasted no time in talking to Moses about this:
The Lord will guide you when you seek His wisdom.
When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, "What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?" Moses answered him, "Because the people come to me to seek God's will. Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God's decrees and instructions." (Exodus 18:14-16)
Jethro quickly discerned the Truth—Moses had taken on more than God intended. Therefore, he encouraged Moses to appoint judges to handle lesser disputes. He also admonished Moses to teach God's people the Lord's decrees and laws and show them the way to live (see Exodus 18:20). In other words, Moses needed to teach the people what God desired and how to take responsibility for their own actions before the Lord.
Are you willing to accept godly counsel? The moment Moses heard Jethro's words, he knew his father-in-law was right, and he was not too proud to accept his advice. Always be sure that what you hear from others is in line with the Word of God. Listen, pray, and ask God to confirm what has been suggested. The Lord will guide you when you seek His wisdom.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for the humble example of Moses as he received godly counsel. Help me to grow in faith so that I can respond with wisdom, gentleness, and teachability to words that flow from Your Truth. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
"Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said" (Exodus 18:24).
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