How does Exodus 18:18 connect with Acts 6:1-7 on leadership? Leadership Overload: Exodus 18:18 • “You will surely wear out—both you and these people who are with you—for the task is too heavy for you. You cannot handle it alone.” • Moses was trying to shoulder every dispute and decision. • Jethro points out the danger: exhaustion for the leader and frustration for the people. • Literal takeaway: one person, however gifted, cannot fulfill every leadership function without breaking down. Parallel Crisis: Acts 6:1-2 • Rapid church growth brought a practical problem—widows were overlooked in food distribution. • “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables.” (v. 2) • Like Moses, the apostles faced a workload that threatened their primary calling. Delegation God’s Way – Jethro’s counsel: “Select capable men who fear God… appoint them as officials.” (vv. 21-22) – “Select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.” (v. 3) Shared themes: • The initiative comes from God’s wisdom, not human pragmatism. • Leaders choose qualified, God-fearing helpers. • Primary leaders stay focused on their God-assigned tasks—Moses on teaching God’s statutes (v. 20), apostles on prayer and the word (v. 4). Qualities God Requires • “Able men” " “full of the Spirit and wisdom” • “Fear God” " evidenced by spiritual maturity • “Trustworthy, hating dishonest gain” " integrity with resources These standards echo later passages (1 Timothy 3:8-10; Titus 1:6-9). Fruit of Shared Leadership • Moses endured, the people went home satisfied. • “So the word of God continued to spread, and the number of disciples… grew rapidly.” • Spiritual and numerical growth follow when ministry is distributed. Broader Scriptural Echoes • Numbers 11:16-17—seventy elders share Moses’ burden. • Deuteronomy 1:9-13—Moses reminds Israel of the appointment of leaders. • Ephesians 4:11-12—Christ gives varied gifts “to equip the saints for works of ministry.” Lessons for Today • God never intended any leader to carry the whole load; delegation protects both shepherd and flock. • Spiritual qualifications outweigh mere managerial skill. • When leaders prioritize prayer and the word, and others handle necessary service, the church flourishes. |
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