God has given us many good things, including the opportunity to serve Him and His people. For instance, after being a shepherd in Midian (Ex 2:15-22; 3:1), Moses was given the opportunity to serve (Ex 3:7-10).  However, this God-given service was not easy. In fact, it was very demanding because Moses served alone as judge to Israel (Ex 18:13-14).
As Israel’s judge, Moses would determine God’s will; he settled disputes and taught the statutes of God (Ex 18:13-16). The bible affirmed that people would wait for their turn from morning to evening just to hear and learn from their sole judge. Although his service was demanding, yet Moses’ opportunity to serve was from God. In this situation, how did Moses accomplish his God-given service? In the same manner, how do we accomplish our God-given service? 
First, we can accomplish our God-given service by listening to godly advice (Ex 18:17-20). After Jethro saw his son-in-law served alone as judge to Israel, he spoke truthful advice. According to Jethro, “what Moses was doing was not good” (Ex 18:17). With this kind of service, both Moses and the people would not benefit from it (Ex 18:18). In this situation, Jethro encouraged Moses to listen (Ex 18:18).

Furthermore, Jethro helped Moses determined his main function for God’s people. Jethro taught Moses to serve Israel as their priest or intercessor, their judge, their teacher, and their model or mentor for righteous living (Ex 18:19-20).   
Today, as leaders and servants of our Lord, we need people like Jethro. We need people around us who will speak the truth, who will encourage us to listen amidst the demands of times, and who will teach us to serve accordingly.      
Secondly, we can accomplish our God-given service by teaming-up with godly people (Ex 18:21-23). In his conversation with Moses, Jethro gave a significant principle. According to Jethro, Moses can serve Israel efficiently in the context of “team service” and “team leadership.” Since the service was great for Moses, he needs to team-up with capable men who “fears God and trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain” (Ex 18:21). Although these men were spiritually and morally capable for service, yet they needed to serve according to their capacity. These men would serve as judges to thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. In other words, they have limitations too. While others can lead thousands, others can only handle hundreds, fifties, or tens.

With this principle, our God-given service becomes a source of blessing. The load of Moses would be lighter because he shared his service to capable men. Furthermore, with this principle, people would be satisfied in the process (Ex.18:23). As a result, the one serving and the people being served are both blessed.   
 
Lastly, we can accomplish our God-given service by applying godly lessons (Ex 18:24-27). After listening to Jethro, Moses “did everything his father-in-law said” (Ex 18:24). Listening means applying godly lessons we have heard. If we fail to listen and apply these godly lessons in our service and life as well, we are bound for uselessness and further conflicts, pains and miseries (1 Kings 12:1-19; Jeremiah 13:10-11; Hebrews 2:1). Rather than a blessing, our God-given service becomes an obstacle to people. In reality, we do not intend to go through this experience.  
On the other hand, for those who listen to godly advice, for those who team-up with godly people, and for those who apply godly lessons, their God-given service will overflow in many expressions of thanks to God. Let us not forget, that our opportunity to serve comes from God. Indeed our God is the source of all good things.   

2 Cor. 9:12 “…This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.”

by Pastor Dong Vilan
BreadCom Pastor

next devotion