We Realize God Calls Us to Work, Part 1

Scripture: Exodus 18:13

It came about the next day that Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood about Moses from the morning until the evening.

Insights:  We have looked at A Time of Reflection and A Time of Rejoicing.  This week we are going to look at A Time of Realization.  Let me paint the picture this morning with two lengthy quotes.  The first is from J. Coert Rylaarsdam a commentary writer.  He wrote, “Slaves cannot be turned into saints overnight.  These people were living the simple life.  They had returned to nature.  There were no complicated city conditions, no artificial luxuries to quarrel over, no banks or real estate deals, and yet the people stood about Moses from morning till evening.  It would have taken a panel of trained psychiatrists and jurists, one can imagine, to deal with all the difficulties that had arisen in the day.  When a crises is over people always have more time to think of their pet troubles and dislikes and of their neighbor’s shortcomings.”  Rylaarsdam wrote those words because it set up this thirteenth verse we are looking at today.  The second quote is from John Calvin and it helps us understand Moses’ attitude a little better.  He wrote, “It was a proof of his illustrious virtue and mental heroism to undergo so many trouble, to endure so much fatigue, and not to be subdued by weariness from daily exposing himself to new toils.  It betrayed also a magnanimity never sufficiently to be praised, that he should occupy himself gratuitously for this perverse and wicked people, and never desist from his purpose, although he experienced an unworthy return for his kind efforts.  For we have seen him to have been often assailed by reproaches and contumelies (rude and abusive), and assaulted by chidings and threats; so that it is more than marvelous that his patience, so constantly abused, was not altogether worn out.  In this, assuredly, many virtues will be discovered worthy of the highest praise; yet Jethro in these very praises finds occasion of fault.  Whence we are warned that in all the most excellent acts of men some defect is ever lurking, and that scarcely any exists so perfect in every respect as to be free from any stain.  Let all those, then, who are called on to be rulers of mankind know, that however diligently they may exercise their office, something still may be wanting, if the best plan that they adopt be brought to examination.  Therefore let all, whether kings or magistrates, or pastors of the Church, know, that whilst they stain every nerve to fulfill their duties, something will always remain which may admit of correction and improvement.”

Questions:

1. Would others characterize you as being a complainer or a grumbler?
2. How does your work give evidence to your temperment?

Prayer: Father, let my attitude be genuine and authentic like Moses.  Let me not have a slave mentality of complaint.  May my life bring You glory and honor.  Amen.