Daily Devotional: Exodus 18:17-27

Jethro implores Moses to delegate some responsibility because Moses’s way of doing things is not sustainable. He will wear out, or burn out, himself and the people of Israel. Moses listens to Jethro’s advice. There are many good applications to make from this part of the text, even knowing that it is narrative and descriptive. We also recognize Jethro’s advice as good, practical advice. The intent of his advice is to keep both Moses and the people from burning out. Experience proves this advice good for our lives as well. When we try to do too much, or take all the responsibility upon ourselves, we will wear ourselves and others out. Delegation is good—real delegation, not micromanagement.