Exodus 18 - 7.1.26

Scripture: Exodus 18:20

Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave.

Observation

In Exodus 18, the Israelites have safely made their way out of Egypt. Moses is their leader and he's very busy! It's a big job. His father-in-law Jethro gives him some advice: you can't, and shouldn't, do it on your own. He tells Moses to teach them, train them up, and show them how to follow God, and to appoint others who are mature to do the same. This is the model of discipleship.

Application

I have a very bad habit of wanting to handle things on my own. If I'm honest, I'd say it stems from a combination of not wanting to inconvenience others and pride. On one hand, why would I bother others, when I can just do it myself? And on the other hand, most of the time I like how I do things! But these attitudes are not benefiting me or others and they are not God's design for us. God calls us to invest in others and help them grow.

Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.

Making disciples is more than just telling people about Jesus, it is teaching and modeling how to follow him. Jesus did this with his disciples. He built relationships - spending time with them, investing in them, training them, and praying for them. Discipleship is about multiplication - as we help others grow, they in turn, disciple and lead others.

2 Timothy 2:2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.

Through discipleship, we invest, equip, and help grow mature followers of God.

Prayer

Lord, help me to remember that you have called each of us (including me!) to disciple others. Change my mindset from I'll do it on my own, to who do you want me to bring with me along the way. I pray that you will continue your work in me and through me.

- Debbie Dunn