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Wise Advice

“When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, ‘What are you really accomplishing here? Why are you trying to do all this alone?... This is not good! You’re going to wear yourself out – and the people too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you…’ Moses listened to his father-in-law’s advice and followed his suggestions.”¹

 

Men and women, alike, have roles to play in the home and in our communities. Amongst some of the many responsibilities, God gave men the special role of being father’s and spiritual leaders in our homes. Living in today’s society, this task can be challenging as our families our constantly being bombarded with agendas that go against God’s Word. However, God knew that it wasn’t good for man (humankind) to be alone since the very beginning and created woman to be his helper. Over time, strong men and women have been examples to us through their personal relationships with the Lord, and how they supported each other as well.

Jethro was Moses’ father-in-law, and while some men may not have the best relationships with their own father in laws, Moses and Jethro shared a loving and respectful relationship. Moses had been given the responsibility by God to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt and be a judge among the people thereafter. He would sit to hear people’s disputes against each other from morning till evening. When Jethro saw Moses’ workload, he stepped in with wise advice. Instead of Moses carrying this heavy burden alone, Jethro’s plan involved delegating work to honest men who also loved and feared God. This created a support team for Moses and together they worked to lead God’s people.

God has placed godly men and women among us. Whether this is a close family member or not, they have been placed in our lives by God to pray for us, support us, and give us wise advice as we seek to do God’s will. Sometimes, it is harder for us to see the full picture when we are in the middle of a situation, however, someone looking from the “outside in” may give us a clearer perspective. As we speak of these “wise people”, you may have someone that immediately come to mind. If you are unsure of who those people are, I encourage you to pray and ask God to lead you to them.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, help me model the same humility and respect in my relationships as Moses and Jethro. Lead me to wise people who will help counsel me in your ways as I seek to lead my family according to your will. Help my relationship with you to be strong and give me wisdom to offer wise advice to others when needed. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1.    Exodus 18:14, 17 -19, 24 (NLT). 

 

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.