Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 18:17, 19, 23

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 18:17, 19, 23

"And Moses' father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.

Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:

If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace."

In this chapter Moses' father in law Jethro comes to him, bringing Moses' wife and children with him. Jethro hears all that God has done for Israel, bringing them out of Egypt. He makes a burnt offering and sacrifice to God. Then Moses, Aaron, and all the elders of Israel eat bread together with Jethro. 

The next day Jethro witnesses Moses sitting from morning to evening to judge the people. He inquires why Moses is doing this alone. Moses replies because the people are inquiring of God. Then Jethro tells him this isn't good, he is going to wear himself out. He advises Moses to teach the ordinances and laws. Then choose worthy men to be rulers over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. They would judge the smaller matters and bring the greater matters to Moses. 

I can see this same principle in the church today. Does the prophet ever take counsel from others? Absolutely! But, the key is what Jethro said with his advice "If thou shall do this thing, and God command thee so." The confirmation of what to do is ultimately up to the Lord. The decision would be between God and his prophet. After the command is given from God then the people follow. They don't press for their will to be done in a matter.

I see the organization of the church in this. How once this is setup then instead of going to the prophet on every matter, we need to go to those chosen men over us, as ordained by God. If they deem it a greater matter for a prophet then it is their place to do so. I sit in amazement of those that think they can tell the prophet what needs to be done, when it isn't their calling or place to do so. Then when they feel he didn't listen to them, because he didn't do as they said, they consider him a fallen prophet. When men think they are wise they are foolish. What peace there would be in the church if we only followed as we should. 

Day 643