Date: 02-06-2021

Title: Delegation

(S) cripture:
    Exodus 18:14-26 (NLT2) 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 while everyone stands around you from morning till evening?” 15 Moses replied, “Because the people come to me to get a ruling from God. 16 When a dispute arises, they come to me, and I am the one who settles the case between the quarreling parties. I inform the people of God’s decrees and give them his instructions.” 17 “This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. 18 “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. 19 Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. You should continue to be the people’s representative before God, bringing their disputes to him. 20 Teach them God’s decrees, and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives. 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. 22 They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. 23 If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.” 24 Moses listened to his father-in-law’s advice and followed his suggestions. 25 He chose capable men from all over Israel and appointed them as leaders over the people. He put them in charge of groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. 26 These men were always available to solve the people’s common disputes. They brought the major cases to Moses, but they took care of the smaller matters themselves.

(O) bservation:
    Earlier Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, had come for a visit and after hearing all that God had done offered sacrifices to Jehovah as a sign of his new faith and trust. As Jethro watched Moses, he saw that Moses was trying to do too much and encouraged his to recruit good capable and honest men and delegate some responsibility to them. Moses took Jethro’s advice and set up their system for settling their disputes. Moses listened to the wise counsel of his father-in-law and made things better for himself and all Israel.

(A) pplication:
    Sometimes it is just easier to do things yourself but that has a number of negative consequences; 1) the risk of burnout and frustration with the people; 2) people are untrained and under-utilized; 3) can lead to an arrogance of thinking you are indispensable or better that those you lead. It takes time to teach and train others but the benefits far outweigh the liabilities. Pastors would do well to follow Moses’ example and train and delegate. In my own life this has been an important lesson. Even now as a staff pastor and semi-retired I need to be developing leaders to lead the church long after I am gone. Another benefit is that when people are participating in the ministry that are more committed to the local church and the kingdom.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, grant me the wisdom and patience to teach and train and delegate to those faithful people who will continue to lead the church into the future. Amen