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Written by Administrator Friday, 30 March 2007 07:27

God is always seeking the betterment of His people. In so doing He will often use surprising resources. Consider the situation of Moses. Upon his shoulders was thrust the responsibility for leadership for an entire nation. But though he was God’s man guided by God’s grace and wisdom, there were lessons yet to be learned … areas where he could improve. Exodus 18 provides a fascinating window through which we can observe an occasion for such growth.

As Moses is leading God’s people through the wilderness, he is met by his family (including his father-in-law, Jethro) who have come from Midian. Moses excitedly tells Jethro how God has worked. Having heard of these amazing experiences, Jethro’s heart is touched, and he rejoices in God’s goodness (vv. 8-11).

But the next day as Jethro watches Moses at work, concerns arise. He detects a problem. Yes, Moses was busy. His work ethic was strong. But there was a better way to do the job. So Jethro urges on Moses a new “business paradigm.”

Moses listened carefully and implemented the plan. The changes were dramatic and blessed by God.

One of America’s most eminent scholars, D. A. Carson, comments: “In some ways, the account is surprising. Major administrative structures are being put into place among the covenant community without any word from God. Why is Jethro, at best on the fringes of the covenant people, allowed to play such an extraordinary role as counselor and confidant of Moses?

“The questions answer themselves. God may use the means of ‘common grace’ to instruct and enrich his people. The sovereign goodness and provision of God are displayed as much in the bringing of Jethro on the scene at this propitious moment as in the parting of the waters of the Red Sea. Are there not contemporary analogies?” (For the Love of God, Volume 1, March 7).

The point that Carson is making is that there are things we can learn from others – even those who are not a part of or else are on the fringes of the family of God. No one has a corner on good advice. In allowing ourselves to become teachable, not only do we personally benefit but so do those who are under our charge whether it be in the home, in the office, or in the ministry. In turn, we have something to offer the world – the good news of Jesus Christ.

After my message in January from Jeremiah 29 on impacting our community … I became aware of a unique opportunity that could enrich the lives of Christian who were leaders as well as allowing us to build a bridge of witness to the secular business community.

With the approval of the Board, a group of businessmen in the church are underwriting a one-time event supervised by the new Men’s Ministry. On Friday, May 11, business leaders will be invited to participate in a special all-day seminar simulcast, Maximum Impact – The Influence Index: Increasing a Leader’s True Value. This will be a live satellite-feed broadcast hosted by former pastor and well-known author John Maxwell. I ask you to pray that this will be a positive bridge-building effort for the Gospel and an enriching time for business people within the church.