Exodus 18 Leadership

Exodus 18:1-12

Israel departed from Rephidim and made their way to Sinai. This will be their campsite for the remainder of the year and for the rest of the book of Exodus. It will be here at the Mount of God where Israel will receive he Law and the instruction for the Tabernacle

Exodus 18:1 And Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel His people—that the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt.

Jethro was the “priest of Midian” and the father-in-law of Moses. He was also called “Reuel” (Exodus 2:18) and is described as a Midianite in Numbers 10:29. He is referred to as both the Hobab and the father of Hobab.

Jethro, Reuel are names associated with the same individual. The details regarding him can be found in Exodus 2, 3 and 18. He is said to be a priest of Midian, the area where Moses fled after killing the Egyptian. The midianites were descendants of Abraham through his second wife. Somce Reuel means "friend of God" it is quite possible that Jethro worshipped YHWH, although he would have done so with very limited revelation. Upon meeting with Moses at Sinai he declares that YHWY is above all other gods.

Moses first met Jethro after helping his daughters provide water for their sheep. Moses began to work for Jethro and soon married one of his seven daughters. They had two sons who moved to Egypt with Moses but soon returned with their mother back to Midian. When Moses and Israel arrived at Sinai, Jethro visited along with Moses' wife and sons.

Jethro is perhaps most well known for the advice regarding leadership that he offers to Moses. It becomes the pattern for leadership within the church

Years later, in the book of numbers we read of a visit from Hobad who is called the son of Jethro or Reuel. Moses convinces him to join the ranks of Israel and serve alongside him. Hobad agrees and the descendants of Jethro, known as the Kenites become a part of Israel dwelling near Jericho.

Later in judges, Hobad is called the father in law of Moses. This is due to the fact that the same Hebrew terms can be used for father in law or brother in law. The context makes it relatively clear that the numbers account is not referring to Jethro if for no other reason that almost 40 years has passed and he would have been an extremely old man. Although this point is often debated by scholars.

The Midianites were descendants of Midian, one of Abraham’s sons by Keturah (Genesis 25:1-4). The land where they lived then became known as “Midian." Although they were distant relatives of Israel, they proved to be a constant source of difficulty for them

o The Midianites were the ones who purchased Joseph and sold him to Potiphar

o Numbers 25 the women of Midian seduced the men of Israel into fornication and idolatry

o Numbers 31, Moses retaliates against Midian and attacks

o The Midianites will continue to be a problem, oppressing Israel until the time of Gideon when they will be defeated

Exodus 18:2-5 Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her back, with her two sons, of whom the name of one was Gershom (for he said, “I have been a stranger in a foreign land”) and the name of the other was Eliezer (for he said, “The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh”); and Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, came with his sons and his wife to Moses in the wilderness, where he was encamped at the mountain of God.

Jethro, arrived at Sinai with Moses' wife and two children. It may be that they returned to midian after Moses began his encounters with pharaoh.

Zipporah is the wife of Moses whom he met in Midian after fleeing from Egypt. Zipporah and Moses had two children and the narrative implies they had some pretty significant marriage problems.

Exodus 4:25 Then Zipporah took a sharp stone and cut off the foreskin of her son and cast it at Moses' feet, and said, “Surely you are a husband of blood to me!”

She was outraged at the thought of the circumcisions of her sons, although this action led to their salvation in that only the circumcised could partake of Passover

Exodus 18:2 Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her back,

She left Moses and returned to her father in Midian

This is the last mention of her. Whether she died or left Moses we cannot be sure. We do know that Moses remarried in the wilderness.

It is clear that those who serve the Lord are not immune to marital difficulties. In fact it may be the as we serve Christ we are more prone to opposition and temptation. The servant of Christ must first be very careful as they select the person they will spend their life with and be certain to make the proper investments in their marriage.

If your marriage is facing attack it may be important to take some time away from ministry to focus upon that. Talk with your spouse about what is missing and how to make the necessary changes. no matter what role you serve in ministry it will change, but who you are married to is for life. Make the necessary investments to ensure your marriage is pleasing to God and an example to others.

Often a relatively short conversation with humility can repair some very long term damage

Gershom - the eldest son of Moses and Zipporah.

Exodus 2:22 And she bore him a son. He called his name Gershom, for he said, “I have been a stranger in a foreign land.”

He was named after Moses experience of fleeing to Midian from Egypt.

Eliazer - the second son of Moses and Zipporah. This is the only mention of him

Exodus 18:4 and the name of the other was Eliezer (for he said, “The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh”);

He was named when Moses realized that his escape was brought about by the mercy of God.

We do not know the age of either of his children and there are no other references to them in Scritpure.

We do know that their descendants served the Lord

1 Chronicles 26:24-25 Shebuel the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, was overseer of the treasuries. And his brethren by Eliezer were Rehabiah his son, Jeshaiah his son, Joram his son, Zichri his son, and Shelomith his son.

The relationship between Moses and Jethro is a valuable illustration of a healthy in-law relationship

Exodus 18:6-12 Now he had said to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons with her.” So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, bowed down, and kissed him. And they asked each other about their well-being, and they went into the tent. And Moses told his father-in-law all that the Lord had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake, all the hardship that had come upon them on the way, and how the Lord had delivered them. Then Jethro rejoiced for all the good which the Lord had done for Israel, whom He had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians. And Jethro said, “Blessed be the Lord, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of Pharaoh, and who has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. Now I know that the Lord is greater than all the gods; for in the very thing in which they behaved proudly, He was above them.” Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and other sacrifices to offer to God. And Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law before God.

Moses showed proper honor to Jethro.

Three verbs are used to describe his actions:

! Moses bowed - 18:7 - showing the proper honor to his elder and the father of his wife ! Moses kissed - 18:7 - this was an appropriate expression within the culture. ! Moses heeded 18:24 - showing that he valued the opinion and advice of Jethro

Jethro on the other hand also showed proper honor to his son-in-law

! Jethro announced his coming ! Gave proper respect to the authority of Moses ! Honored him for how God was using him ! Gave advice without cutting Moses down ! Did not overstay his welcome

This was possible because the Lord was the center of their relationship. 18:8- 12

o Shared stories about what God had done

o Worshipped together

o Offered sacrificed

o Shared a meal together

From all we can tell, Jethro was a godly man of integrity who played a small part in God’s great story of deliverance for the Israelites. He is a good role model for in-laws. He offered wise counsel, stepped in to help when needed, and then got out of the way.

After sitting with Moses and hearing of the events that transpired since Israel's departure from Egypt, (things like Red Sea parting, bitter waters made sweet, manna from heaven and rivers flowing from a rock) Jethro exclaims:

Exodus 18:11 Now I know that the Lord is greater than all the gods; for in the very thing in which they behaved proudly, He was above them.”

We cannot be certain of Jethro's relationship to God prior to this. We know he was a priest of Midian, but cannot be sure if he was in fact a worshipper of YHWH. Although the name Reuel, which is also used for him means friend of God.

It is worth noting that it was through the difficulties that Jethro was drawn to the Lord. As he heard how God carried His people through one trial after another, his heart was ripe for God

Exodus 18:8 And Moses told his father-in-law all that the Lord had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake, all the hardship that had come upon them on the way, and how the Lord had delivered them.

Sometimes the things we complain about the most are the tools most useful in winning others to Christ

The remainder of the chapter focuses on the daily activities of Moses as the leader of Israel. He spent his waking hours judging the affairs of the people

Exodus 18:13-14 And so it was, on the next day, that Moses sat to judge the people; and the people stood before Moses from morning until evening. So when Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he did for the people, he said, “What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit, and all the people stand before you from morning until evening?”

Jethro stuck around long enough to observe Moses in action. When the nation was not traveling Moses spent his days counseling the people. They would bring their disputes to Moses and he would counsel them from the Word of God.

Exodus 18:15-16 And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. When they have a difficulty, they come to me, and I judge between one and another; and I make known the statutes of God and His laws.”

What we notice from the text:

o All good counsel will come from looking at what the Word says about the situation.

o This became a very time consuming task. Moses spent all day counseling the people.

! The result was that people had to wait long periods before having their issues addressed and Moses had little time for anything else.

o We have already seen that Moses family life was suffering, now we see that his leadership was in danger as well.

! We need to set a system in place where our wives, children and churches are not sacrificed on the altar of ministry

As Jethro observed Moses' behavior he addressed what was wrong and gave a healthy solution.

Exodus 18:17-18 So Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing that you do is not good. Both you and these people who are with you will surely wear yourselves out. For this thing is too much for you; you are not able to perform it by yourself.

Moses's approach was wrong because

• he was doing it alone and • because it will burn him and the people out.

The solution was for Moses to focus on his primary task and learn to delegate things to others.

This delegation is often difficult because people tend to exalt the vessel that holds the Word above the Word itself

Exodus 18:19-22 Listen now to my voice; I will give you counsel, and God will be with you: Stand before God for the people, so that you may bring the difficulties to God. And you shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and show them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do. Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. And let them judge the people at all times. Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you.

Jethro's advice is in three parts

1. Stand before God for the people - prayer for the flock of God is a primary responsibility of the pastor

2. Teach them statutes - instruction them corporately from the Word will address many of the problems they are seeking individual counsel for

3. Selecting able men to come alongside and assist. The criteria for these men are also given

A. From the people - must be part of the congregation

B. Able - gifted for the task at hand

C. Fear God - no counsel is of any value if it does not begin and end with a desire to be pleasing to the lord

D. Men of truth - as scripture unfolds it is clear the requirement for service is to have a good handle on the word of God.

E. Hating covetousness - these men must not be in ministry for the personal benefit they derive. Ministry is about serving others

As the NT church developed there came a time for the apostles to raise up others around them to assist in the ministry.

Acts 6 records the appointment of these men

We read the responsibility of the apostles

Acts 6:2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.

Acts 6:4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

1. Prayer 2. The word

And we read of he requirements of those who will come along to assist

Acts 6:3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;

A. From among the church

B. Good reputation

C. Full of the spirit

D. Full of wisdom - wisdom comes from the word

E. Appointed - under authority

Acts 6:7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Result as the word continues to spread

As the Gospel continued to spread churches began that were not led by the apostles.

Leadership for these churches had to be developed. Paul wrote extensively to describe the proper leadership of the church. We read of elders, deacons and members

Just as Moses and the apostles were to be given to prayer and the word so we're the leaders of the local churches

1 Timothy 2:1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,

1 Timothy 3:15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

1 Timothy 4:13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Paul spends ample time describing the character qualities of those who will serve in the local church.

It is worth noting that very little has to do with ability. If we give our hearts to the Lord He will provide all we need to serve Him it is rarely the most gifted who are used most effectively for the Kingdom. Instead it is those who are devoted.

The solution for leadership was to give instructions to members, deacons and elders

Elders - synonymous with pastor, shepherd, bishop and overseer. This speaks to the role we call pastor. We recognize that as the church grows there will be a need for numerous pastors in the church. Their requirements are listed in 1 Tim 3 and in Titus

1 Timothy 3:1-7 This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Paul's list of requirements divides nicely into 4 categories

First, the ministers private life.

Paul focuses upon three areas where the minister must live above the standard of the world around him.

Not given to wine - this seems to be a controversial subject today. Many young ministers wonder what place alcohol plays in the life of the pastor. Our doctrine regarding drinking should be developed by looking at all the scriptures says on the subject. In a nutshell we observe:

1. Drunkeness is clearly wrong

2. Casual drinking is not forbidden

3. A person called to a pastoral role has a higher standard as it relates to alcohol and are told "not be near wine" (a literal rendering of Not given to wine)

4. Later when Paul exhorts Timothy to have a little wine for his stomachs sake, he is suggesting its use for medical reasons much in the same way we would take an aspirin, he is not condoning Timothy's having a cold one with his friends. I find it very telling that Timothy, as a young pastor was so removed from the consumption of alcohol that he had to be compelled by Paul to even use it for medicinal purposes.

I believe the issue is bigger than whether a pastor is legally eligible to drink casually. The issue has to do with consecration of a person fully to the service of God. If we are concerned with liberties above holiness we should probably reconsider our calling.

Not greedy - money is a strong motivator that drives a variety of behaviors as people seem willing to do the strangest things for money. Paul Declared that it was the love of Christ Which constrained him to service. We too should be driven to service by the love God has for us, our love for Him and His love for the unsaved.

Not violent - the minister is called to be a peacemaker not a fighter.

Second the minister's family life

Here the emphasis is that we must take our Christianity home. Nothing is more confusing to a child or a bigger stumbling block to the unbeliever than a leader who fails on the home front. Paul emphasizes the marriage and child rearing responsibilities of the Christian leader.

Husband of one wife: A pastor must show godliness in his marriage. A person who is unfaithful or fails to treat his wife in a biblical manner has no business caring for the church of God.

Ruling his children well: Children are not easily fooled by hypocrisy, the more we pastor our homes the more we will see our kids grow in Christ.

Third, the minister's church life

Paul emphasized how the pastor should behave around the church. There seems to be a lot of misconception regarding the proper behavior of the pastor. Some seem to regard themselves more like a king or CEO rather than a shepherd who is given as a gift to serve the flock of God.

Cannot be a novice: Like with deacons an elder must be tested. There are many lessons that can only be learned through times of difficulty. The minister must take the time to develop his own story of faith. While team building can be an effective way to begin a church we cannot attempt to remove all sources of difficulty. It is the backdrop of hardship that Scripture uses to tell the stories of faith. This is true of every Bible hero.

Must care for the church: When Jesus reinstated Peter He told him to feed the sheep and tend the lambs. Much of ministry is taking time to care for people who are needy; learning to listen to them with compassion and walking side by side with them through their trials.

Must have the gift of teaching: Teaching begins with rightly dividing the word of truth. The longer we are in the ministry the more we should seek to hone our teaching gift. Always be yourself, but listen to effective teachers for how you might increase the capacities of the gifts you have been given.

Must have desire: Part of calling is desire. The person whose palms sweat and breaks out in hives whenever a mission trip is mentioned is probably not called to be a missionary. If you have a desire for ministry it is probably a call of God. The key is what you do with the desire. Are you willing to set aside sin and seek training? Hudson Taylor, the famous missionary from the the 19th century spent years in prayer, study and developing personal holiness before he ever boarded a ship to China. If you sense a call to full time ministry, take the time to become a godly person and a devoted student of the Word

Fourth the minister's public life

As a believer it is of the highest importance we keep in mind that the world is watching. While this is true of every Christian it is doubly true of those called to ministry. Paul explained to the Corinthian church that God has put the apostles on display for the world to see. He wrote;

1 Corinthians 4:9 For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.

The word "spectacle" is a translation of the Greek word "theatron" from which we get the word theater. As a servant of Christ you are putting Christ on display for all the world to see.

Must have a good testimony among those who are outside: Clearly this means that our lives must not be lived in duplicity. If we are one man around the church and another in the community we need to repent.

Deacons - translated servant - those who support the role of the pastor. There requirements are also listed in 1tim 3

1 Timothy 3:8-13 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

From a root that means to run errands. This is the role of an attendant who is under authority and doing tasks that help to assist the work of the ministry.

Deacon must be

• Reverent - respecting authority • Not double tongued - how an assistant speaks regarding those over them speaks volumes to their character • Holding the mystery - a student of the word • Not greedy - money can never be the motive or the goal in ministry • Must be tested - positions and titles are given slowly and carefully. If we are not faithful in little we will not be with much • Must Husband and father well

Members - the body itself

Romans 12:4-8 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Members of the local fellowships are exhorted to use their gifts. In 1Corinhians Paul explains that these gifts are given for the benefit of the whole body to serve the purpose of the church not as a place to showcase talents

Before he law was given or the worship around the Tabernacle was organized, God made sure that the proper leadership style was in place - A godly man, surrounded by godly men who were in ministry to honor God and help the people.

18:13-27

The remainder of the chapter focuses on the daily activities of Moses as the leader of Israel. He spent his waking hours judging the affairs of the people

Exodus 18:13 And so it was, on the next day, that Moses sat to judge the people; and the people stood before Moses from morning until evening.

Moses reason for doing this was

1. The needs of the people 2. The pressure from the people

Jethro explains that these actions are not good for several reasons

1. You will burn out 2. They will burn out 3. No one else is getting opportunity to serve 4. Future leaders are not being developed

Jethro offers a solution

1. Pray for them 2. Teach them the Word (this will solve much of the conflict) 3. Delegate to able men 4. Stay involved

Chapter closes explaining that Moses put Jethro's advice into practice

Exodus 18:24 So Moses heeded the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said.

The advice Moses received is the basic framework for how the church is to function.

As the NT church grew there came a need for others to be raised up to serve alongside the apostles. Acts 6 records the responsibilities and qualifications of these men

Acts 6:3-4 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

Their faithful service would allow the apostles to give themselves to he word and prayer which was their primary responsibility to the church

As the gospel spread, churches were planted that were not led by apostles. Paul wrote to give details regarding leadership within the church. He wrote to all participants in the church

Instruction is given to elders, deacons and members as to their role in the church as well as the requirements for participation

Elders - 1Tim 3:1-7

Deacons - 1Tim 3:8-13

Members - Romans 12:1-8