Wisdom from a father in law

      Normally when we think of in-laws, we think of toil, tempers, trouble, and all kinds of tragedy.  Fortunately for Moses, this is not the case for him and his father-in-law.  In Exodus chapter 18, Moses comes across his father-in-law Jethro, and receives a great deal of help and sound advice from him, which serves him in a way that should be noted by ministers and leaders of any kind.
Jethro sits in as Moses presides as judge over the people, and the people gather around him all day as he helps settle disputes among the people.  After observing the process, Jethro provides a great service to Moses in the form of advice.  The text explains the following:
      17Moses' father-in-law said to him, "What you are doing is not good. 18 you will surely wear yourself out, both you and these people with you.  For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone. 19 You should represent the people before God, and you should bring their cases before God; 20 teach them statutes and instructions and make known to them the way they are to go and the things they are to do. 21 You should also look for able men among all the people, men who fear God, are trustworthy, and hate dishonest gain; set such men over them as officers over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. 22 Let them sit as judges for the people at all times; let them bring every important case to you, but decide every minor case themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you."
       In this passage, Jethro provides Moses with extremely practical leadership advice.  He explains that in order to effectively rule and judge over the people, Moses needed to be able to find trustworthy people to help carry the burden.  Not only does Moses learn the importance of delegating tasks to trustworthy leaders in this passage, but he also displays the wisdom of listening to the instruction of his elders.  In this way, Moses exemplifies two qualities of an effective leader, finding trustworthy subordinates and listening to wise instruction.  If we as ministers are to take seriously our task of serving God and others, we must emulate Moses by finding leaders in whom we can trust and delegate important tasks to while we listen to the instruction of those who have experience and knowledge.