Sharing the Load

Scripture Passage that Caught my attention today: Deuteronomy 1:9-18 At that time I said to you, “I am unable by myself to bear you. 10 The LORD your God has multiplied you, so that today you are as numerous as the stars of heaven. 11 May the LORD, the God of your ancestors, increase you a thousand times more and bless you, as he has promised you! 12 But how can I bear the heavy burden of your disputes all by myself? 13 Choose for each of your tribes individuals who are wise, discerning, and reputable to be your leaders.” 14 You answered me, “The plan you have proposed is a good one.” 15 So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and reputable individuals, and installed them as leaders over you, commanders of thousands, commanders of hundreds, commanders of fifties, commanders of tens, and officials, throughout your tribes. 16 I charged your judges at that time: “Give the members of your community a fair hearing, and judge rightly between one person and another, whether citizen or resident alien. 17 You must not be partial in judging: hear out the small and the great alike; you shall not be intimidated by anyone, for the judgment is God’s. Any case that is too hard for you, bring to me, and I will hear it.” 18 So I charged you at that time with all the things that you should do.

Observation: Moses was feeling a burden. His solution was to share it.

Application: To share. It’s a crazy concept.

Some things we may not want to share even if we should. Privileges perhaps. Money. Power.

Some things aren’t meant to be shared, at least not entirely. Spouses, for example.

But some things are meant to be shared. Burdens and leadership number among them. Quite frankly, even Moses couldn’t do it alone. Parting water is one thing. Leading through difficult times is another. That’s why it’s almost always unwise to go the solo route.

Find the wisest and most reputable people you know. Charge them to be as impartial as possible and not to be intimidated by anyone. The judgment is God’s, right?

Well…yes…but this is not to say that it’s necessarily easy. Some cases are still too hard. Plus sometimes our own sinful nature gets in the way. Furthermore, since we no longer have Moses to call upon, we’re left to somewhat fend for ourselves. But even then at least we can move forward together, trusting Lord who has so kindly blessed us with the opportunity to work together with some of the wisest people we know.

Prayer: Lord, thanks for your provision in all of its forms. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(Readings Today included: Deuteronomy 1-2, Mark 12)