Contemplative Bible Reading

Exodus 18:17-20 (New Living Translation)

¹⁷ “This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. ¹⁸ “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. ¹⁹ Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. You should continue to be the people’s representative before God, bringing their disputes to him. ²⁰ Teach them God’s decrees, and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives.

The father-in-law of Moses is speaking to him about how Moses has become a micro-managing work-aholic (yes, they had those dysfunctional types way back when). He goes on to advise Moses on creating a hierarchy of good and right judges to help Moses adjudicate disputes among the people (yes, they had those disputes among relatives way back when).

While describing this hierarchy, Moses’ father-in-law takes a side trip to advise Moses on what Moses and all leaders should do:

• Teach God’s word
• Show how to live

I guess this is pretty simple: teach in word and deed or teach in theory and practice. People knew this way back when. We know it today, but sometimes we forget.

I hadn’t realized that Moses’ father-in-law was the creator of educational theory. That man was sent by God with a message from God.

Listen.