Yesterday’s meditation discussed how we all need others in our lives to support us, stand beside us, and even offer advice when our way of handling an issue may not be the wisest or the best. Moses had one of those people in his life as well. Every leader—every one of us—needs a Jethro.
When we meet Jethro in Exodus 18, Moses has just led the Israelites out of Egypt. The Red Sea has parted, manna has fallen, and Moses is the man of the hour. But there’s a problem. He’s trying to do it all on his own. The people are bringing every dispute, every question, every squabble straight to Moses. All day long, from morning to night, he’s answering complaints and dealing with others’ issues. The stream of problems is never-ending.
Enter Jethro, his father-in-law, who has the wisdom and boldness to say what many others are probably thinking but are too afraid to say:
“What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.” (Exodus 18:17–18)
Translation: Moses, you’re burning out—and you’re taking everyone else with you.
Jethro’s advice is simple and profound: stop thinking you have to do everything yourself and let others help with the load. Train others to help. Trust them to do what’s right. Let others handle some stuff so that you can focus on what only you can do or what God is specifically calling you to do.
It’s practical wisdom, but it’s also spiritual. God didn’t design us to carry every burden ourselves. Even Moses—the man who faced Pharaoh, parted the sea, and met God on the mountain—needed help.
We live in a culture that glorifies overwork. “Busy” has become a badge of honor. But Exodus 18 reminds us that trying to do it all is not heroic—it’s unhealthy. When we refuse to share responsibility, we rob others of the chance to grow and ourselves of the rest we need.
Jethro’s words are a divine “permission slip” to stop and breathe. To ask for help. To set boundaries. To set time aside for ourselves. To say “no” on occasion. To remember that we are human (and be happy with that).
So who’s your Jethro—the person who loves you enough to tell you the truth when you’re stretched too thin? And are you humble enough to listen? And, once you accept the truth in your own life, is there someone who needs a Jethro and will listen to your voice?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the Jethros who speak wisdom into our lives. Teach me to listen when others remind me to rest, to share the load, and to trust that my busy errands and your divine work doesn’t depend on me alone. Amen.
