Devotionals for April 6, 2023
Our next water baptisms will be on April 30th. CLICK HERE for more info!
READ
EXODUS 18:13–23
The next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening. When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?” And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God; when they have a dispute, they come to me and I decide between one person and another, and I make them know the statutes of God and his laws.” Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone. Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you!
You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God, and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do. Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace.”
REFLECT
Moses’s father-in-law offers him sound advice: You can’t do it alone. Though Moses was led by the literal presence of God, he still needed help with the strategy of leading and guiding others. Thankfully, God surrounded Moses with Jethro and others who could help carry the burdens of leadership. Though millennia separate us from Moses, his example offers the same wisdom for our church. We can’t do it alone. We rely on God’s presence and on each other to carry the Gospel.
APPLY
Q: How was Moses leading a supernatural and strategic life with God and others?
Q: What are a burden you need to share with and voice to others? Who can you help support by carrying their burdens?
Q: By living humbly and compassionately with each other, how will our example reflect the Gospel to others?
SING
“Speak the Name” by Church of the City
PRAY
"Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us."
Lord, forgive me for struggling alone; for abiding in stress, when I should call out your name and seek my brothers and sisters in Christ for compassion and support. Lord, soften my heart. Lead me into forgiveness and community. Amen.
READ
EXODUS 18:13–23
The next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening. When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?” And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God; when they have a dispute, they come to me and I decide between one person and another, and I make them know the statutes of God and his laws.” Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone. Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you!
You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God, and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do. Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace.”
REFLECT
Moses’s father-in-law offers him sound advice: You can’t do it alone. Though Moses was led by the literal presence of God, he still needed help with the strategy of leading and guiding others. Thankfully, God surrounded Moses with Jethro and others who could help carry the burdens of leadership. Though millennia separate us from Moses, his example offers the same wisdom for our church. We can’t do it alone. We rely on God’s presence and on each other to carry the Gospel.
APPLY
Q: How was Moses leading a supernatural and strategic life with God and others?
Q: What are a burden you need to share with and voice to others? Who can you help support by carrying their burdens?
Q: By living humbly and compassionately with each other, how will our example reflect the Gospel to others?
SING
“Speak the Name” by Church of the City
PRAY
"Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us."
Lord, forgive me for struggling alone; for abiding in stress, when I should call out your name and seek my brothers and sisters in Christ for compassion and support. Lord, soften my heart. Lead me into forgiveness and community. Amen.