Exodus 18:13 The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening.
If I had to guess, I would say that Moses is probably exhausted, both mentally and physically. “From morning till evening,” he sits as judge for the people. Case after case after case, he listens to the facts, he discerns God’s will based on what he knows of God. Honestly, it sounds both exhausting and lonely.
Exodus 18:14 When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, “What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?”
I wonder if Moses even realizes the toll this role takes on him. I know that for me, when my boys were young, being a wife, a mother, a teacher, a friend could absolutely lead me to exhaustion and sometimes felt rather isolating. I wonder if this realization is God calling us to community or God calling us to rest in Him? I’d say both are appropriate responses.
Exodus 18:15 Moses answered him, “Because the people come to me to seek God’s will.
Precious Savior, It is so easy to take on the weight of the world, to feel like we are the only thing keeping life running smoothly, but that way leads to exhaustion and burn out, which isn’t good for anyone. Help us, no matter what our lot in this life, to remember that with You, we are never alone. Help us to rest in You and to lean on the community You have called us to. Amen.
Exodus 18:16 Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God’s decrees and instructions.”
Have a blessed day.