"Make Your Load Lighter"

Scripture: "But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied." -Exodus 18:21 - 23, NIV

One of the greatest aspects of life one can experience is getting married. On the day of a wedding, two people, the bride and the groom, pledges their love to God and to the host of witnesses who are there. Usually when this ceremony takes place, the setting of the ceremony is usually decked out with an altar, decorations, candles, and bridesmaids and groomsmen dressed in tuxedos and beautiful dresses. However, before this day comes together, other things come into focus like who is going to decorate the church, who is going to make the programs, who is going to create the bouquets, who is going to buy the boutonnieres, and other important things. If the bride and groom did all of this, then they would be very tired for their special day. Usually, the bride and the groom gets a wedding organizer, who in turn, delegates the responsibility to others to get things done. In the Kingdom of God, we find that our pastors walk in this mode of "Superman". They wear 1,000 hats and yet, they desire a little help. If truth were told, many of you juggle quite a few of things as well and you are in need of help. Well, God wants me to encourage you to make your load lighter. Today's text provides us an example of one who had to make his load lighter.

Our devotional journey today has brought us to the second book of the Old Testament and the Bible, the book of Exodus (meaning "to exit out"). This book, along with the first other four books in the Bible, were written by Moses. Within this eighteenth chapter, we find Moses, his wife, and his sons were about to enjoy the company of Moses' father-in-law, Jethro. As you continue to read, you find that Jethro expressed his happiness for the things God had done for the Israelites through Moses. You must remember that Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt and into the Wilderness. However, while in the Wilderness, God has provided their every need and allowed them to defeat some capable foes who have tried to attack them. Isn't it a blessing to know that when you are in your wilderness, God will still provide and allow you to defeat your foes that come at you? As the story continues, we find that Jethro observed Moses doing his work on the next day, from morning until evening. With this being seen, Jethro poses the question, "Why do you sit alone as a judge?" As I am writing, the Holy Spirit wants to ask you, "Why do you work alone?", "Why do you hurt alone?", "Why do you live alone?" In other words, God through His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit wants to establish some help for you! He wants you to not live your life on an island! He wants you to work smarter and not harder! He wants your load to be lighter! Since Jethro saw what went down, he gave Moses some advice, which propels us into today's main scripture.

Jethro begins his advice by saying, "But select capable men from all the people - men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain - and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens". Can you imagine how many people Moses saw on a daily basis settling their disputes? Can you imagine the fact that Moses didn't get any lunch breaks, bathroom breaks, or any other break because he was dealing with God's people? Brothers and sisters, some of us have great business ideas and great businesses; however, God wants you to adhere to His voice and when need be, pull on the coat tails of people who have done your kind of work or who has worked in Ministry that can provide guidance in a matter. Imagine this my married people if one of you took on everything! I mean paid the bills, cooked the meals, washed the clothes, folded the clothes, made all the beds, kept the house straight, took care of the children, worked your 8 or 9 hour job, catered to your mate, go to church when scheduled or need be, and everything else! Wouldn't you get tired or burned out? Of course, you would! That's why it's imperative to understand one another's strengths and allow your spouse to get things done in their respective arena, thus making the load lighter! Within church, we often find ourselves in ministries where the leader does everything and everyone around the table has gifts! The leader needs your gifts so that he/she won't get burned out! If you are one of those leaders who is reading this devotional, then pray to God that He will point you to people and in turn, get you the help you need!

As Jethro continued with this advice, he told Moses to allow these men to serve as judges at all times, but when they had tough cases, then turn them over to you. Ladies and gentlemen, as you inquire God for help and receive help from your brothers and sisters, recognize where your hand still needs to be there! Recognize where people can help you and recognize where people cannot help you! Everyone cannot be you and do the things you do and because of that, that line must be drawn!

Upon Jethro giving Moses his advice, he concludes his thoughts by saying, "That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied." In closing, brothers and sisters, know that if God does not provide you with the help in men, He can provide you with the help through Him! He tells us in His Word that we ought "to lay aside every weight that so easily beset us …". If you are carrying a load of distress, lay it down! If you are carrying a load of past scars, lay it down! If you are carrying a load of distrust, lay it down! If you are carrying a load of health issues, lay it down! If you are carrying a load of financial problems, lay it down! Whatever is making your load heavier, lay it down, so your load can be lighter! Moses needed help and what his father-in-law gave him was sound advice. I can only imagine that God has given each of you (myself included), some advice on lighting your load. Will you listen to Him today?