Exodus 18:21 –
But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten.
This is advice from Jethro, Moses’ father in law. He noticed how much work Moses was doing and realized it was wearing him out. He suggested distributing the load so he did not have to do so much to solve the people’s problems. Imagine trying to manage and deal with millions of people!
How does this apply today?? Well you ever heard the saying “you can’t do it all”? This chapter is the biblical version of that phrase. You cannot do it all as much as you may want to! Our time is limited and there is only so much burden on can handle. God made us to work, but he also knew rest was important. We all tend to think we are the only ones that can or will do the work and often forget the idea of delegating work so we can rest.
Also, we are only capable of dealing with some burdens of others, not all. Moses had the burden of the nation of Israel on his shoulders! Can you imagine what that was like? It wouldn’t matter what time of day it was, there would always be a problem that arose requiring his attention. We often get into this “save the world” mode and burn out quickly, because no matter how much passion we bring to the table there is still only so much one can do.
What this verse basically says is ask God for help and do not feel the only way it can be done is by you and you alone. That may be true, but it will lead to some unhealthy results because of stress and overwork. With that said, if you see someone doing this, help them; they may not realize what they are doing to themselves. Like Jethro did for Moses, intervention is sometimes required so the person can get a handle on the problem.
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Proverbs 24:1-2 – “Don’t envy evil people or desire their company.For their hearts plot violence, and their words always stir up trouble.”