Exodus, Chapter 18

Wednesday, June 24

Read

Exodus, Chapter 18

Reflect

How often we needlessly try to bear too heavy a burden by ourselves?  We engage in seemingly ceaseless activity until we are exhausted and discouraged. Our responsibilities seem endless and our resentments mount, but our energy and our focus are quickly depleted.

Jethro teaches Moses an important life lesson. We can share our burdens with God and with others in our community. We do not have to do it all ourselves.

Jesus offered these words, “Come to me all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Jesus offers to share our burdens and with His help, our responsibilities become lighter and perhaps even a source of fulfillment and joy, for Jesus helps us see our daily tasks in a whole new light.     

We can also share our responsibilities with others in our community.  We do not have to do it all ourselves.  We can ask for help.  Others may have both the needed gifts and time and may be better suited for the tasks at hand. They may be delighted to feel useful and needed.  There is joy in partnering with other Christians.

As we pray about how God would have us fulfill our responsibilities and duties, our perspectives may change. God may enable us to see that tasks can be delayed until another season or even eliminated. The time for this project may not be today.

Respond

Prayerfully consider what responsibilities and tasks fail to bring you joy and seem too heavy to bear? Do you lack sufficient time or do you feel you lack the needed abilities?  Pray for guidance. Can you let them go uncompleted or delay the completion of these responsibilities without inflicting harm on yourself or others? Are there others you can consult or ask for help?  For those responsibilities that are clearly yours today, ask God to grant you a new perspective and allow God to share your “yoke”.

Pray

Gracious God, Thank you that we do not journey alone. You have promised to be with us always and never to abandon us.  You have given to each of Your children certain special gifts.  Help us to use the gifts and opportunities for service that You have given to us as You lead and guide us.  Help us also to affirm the gifts and abilities of our brothers and sisters by offering to them opportunities for service. Help us to see in our responsibilities a call to serve You and to be a blessing to others.  May we serve with humility, knowing that both the call to serve and our ability to fulfill the responsibilities of this call, are gifts from You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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