I loved my parents-in-law from the time I met them. They were godly people, devoted followers of Christ, and committed to the church. In addition, Jim, my father-in-law possessed uncommon wisdom. He only had one daughter and he entrusted her to me. Jim loved his daughter greatly. I have often wondered what it is like to give your daughter’s hand in marriage. Someone said it is like caring for a finely tuned Stradivarius violin and then handing it to a gorilla. I think I know what they meant.
Jethro and his family saved Moses’ life when he fled from Egypt at the age of 40. Jethro, sometimes named Reuel, allowed Moses to marry his daughter Zipporah. After Moses and the Israelites escaped Egypt and crossed the Red Sea, Jethro paid them a visit. He was delighted to hear about God’s provision for Israel. On the other hand, watching Moses try to judge every dispute for thousands of people led him to give Moses some advice. DELEGATE! Moses needed to entrust the leadership of the group with the smaller issues so that he could handle the larger ones.
Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. Wow! Imagine how much simpler life would be if we all did that. Well. Not every father-in-law is as wise or godly as Jethro. In fact, as good as Jim was, I’m not sure I always practiced this verse. But if my daughter marries, I will share it with my future son-in-law.
The good news is God speaks to us through others. Sometimes, others can survey a situation and see the solution much more clearly. When we are stressed we may think, “It is just easier to take on more responsibility myself than to entrust it to others.” This is a losing strategy. As long as we are willing to over-function, others will under-function to match our zeal. When we allow others to use their gifts, they are strengthened and we are helped. Ralph West came to our church in Austin years ago. He asked to see my key ring which may or may not have weighed four pounds. Then he asked me, “Are you the only one who can open all those doors?” My key ring shrunk, and our church grew. What can you entrust to someone else today? What are you waiting for?
