The next interesting observation from reading through the Bible chronologically . . . 

“So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you.”

Moses was a grown man and certainly mature.  But he still was able to benefit from some sage advice from his father-in-law.  Moses was being bogged down by the day to day burden of leadership.  He was spending all day long listening to the complaints of the people and then rendering a judgment. 

It was noble work and work that he was qualified to do.  But it was becoming overwhelming.  And his effectiveness was suffering.  So, up steps the father-in-law, Jethro.  (And you thought your father-in-law had a funny name.)  He makes a wise observation that benefits both Moses and the people.

He observes that Moses himself will be able to endure: This is the first reward for effectively delegating some of his authority. Moses would be able to enjoy life and be able to do his job better than ever.

The second reward was that all of the people will also go their way in peace with their issues resolved quickly. In other words, the people would be effectively ministered to.

And if you are interested, check out Paul’s similar advice to the younger Timothy in II Timothy 2:2.

So, is it the age?  Or the status as father-in-law?

Probably the age thing.

Photo licensed under the following terms:  http://www.morguefile.com/license/morguefile/

I guess I need to be reminded of that from time to time. This is especially true in terms of my Faith. I am reminded again of the differences between “Saving Faith” and “idle faith”. James 2: 14-26 reminds me of several kinds of Faith.

There is an Intellectual Faith found in verse 17. Here it talks about knowing the concepts and knowing the lingo, but not putting it in to practice. There is an Emotional Faith found in verse 19. Even the demons have an emotional response to Jesus. These are tragic examples of dead faith or idle faith. Then there is a Living and Active Faith as found in verses 21-26. Abraham and Rahab are great examples of a living and active faith in action. They are recorded in the “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11. Here is what it says about them and some others.

• By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice.
• By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.
• By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones.
• By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.
• By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.
• And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.

Now look at all of this in light of Titus 1:16. “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.” These are very strong words, wouldn’t you agree?

Here it is clear that profession of faith by itself is an intellectual or emotional response. Without evidence of God at work in our lives there is an implied denial of God’s power and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Without steps of Faith (actions) and walking in obedience (actions) we are just standing still. We are going nowhere. We are just posing.