Exodus 18:13-27
Jethro urges Moses to delegate to others a part of his service. This is advice which has the appearance of wisdom, but which is unaware of the power of the Spirit of God! It is one of the principles which are held to be basic to the institution of the clergy. Men are picked out, and invested with authority by others, according to a hierarchy which sets up intermediaries between God and simple believers. But the Word of God recognises in the Church only one Head, who is fully able to deal with all that concerns His own (Ephesians 4:5). And Jesus does not only concern Himself with the "great matters", the "difficult matters". Nothing which is of interest to us is too small or insignificant for Him. May we never be afraid to address ourselves directly to Him (read 1 Peter 5:7).
In its prophetic aspect, this chapter shows us that Christ will not exercise alone the administration of the kingdom (Matthew 19:28). When He comes in the midst of the myriads of saints, government will be established with various responsibilities, fully to the glory of God.
While the people of God pursue their pathway through the desert, Jethro turns back to his own land (v. 27). The life of faith, the role of pilgrim and stranger, has no attraction for him. Alas, how many Christians resemble him!