27 August Revd Andy Chislett-McDonald

Sharing the load. Scripture, reflection and prayer.
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Exodus 18:13-23 "The next day Moses sat as judge for the people, while the people stood around him from morning until evening. When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, while all the people stand around you from morning until evening?”

Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. When they have a dispute, they come to me and I decide between one person and another, and I make known to them the statutes and instructions of God.” Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. You will surely wear yourself out, both you and these people with you. For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone. Now listen to me. I will give you counsel, and God be with you! You should represent the people before God, and you should bring their cases before God; teach them the statutes and instructions and make known to them the way they are to go and the things they are to do.  You should also look for able men among all the people, men who fear God, are trustworthy, and hate dishonest gain; set such men over them as officers over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. Let them sit as judges for the people at all times; let them bring every important case to you, but decide every minor case themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. If you do this, and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people will go to their home in peace.” 

Reflection.  Jethro, the priest of Midian, gives his son-in-law some wonderful counsel. To paraphrase, he says, 'Son, you can't do everything. Gather a team around yourself of good people. Share the leadership load. It will be better for your health, and better for the people.'  

What does this lesson say to the church today? 
What does it say to Church leaders?  
How prepared are church leaders to share leadership? 
Do enough people step forward to help? 
How do we stop wearing people out with too great a burden? 
How ought we respond to Jethro's wisdom?

Jesus said, "Come to me and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
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Prayer. Lord Jesus help us to remember that we are your body and each one of us has a part to play. Amen.