Yesterday i went to the Baltimore Washington Conference (BWC) center for a mentor training program. This is where we were assigned to groups that we will be with for the next three years of our probation (or as it is called now, residency) period. During our time together the BWC folks has to make the sell as to why mentoring is important, and why this is not just another hoop that we must jump through to be considered for ordination. Don’t get me wrong, I think that mentoring is one of the single most powerful ways to model and shape out a personal faith that we have been blessed with.
During this time I was anxious to see what types of things were going to be discussed. A piece of our time was taken up by exploring mentor relationships in the biblical witness. I was responsible for looking at the relationship between Moses and Jethro (Moses’ father-in-law). The scripture I was given to look at was from Exodus 18 where we find Jethro giving advice to Moses.
The thing that i found to be very interesting is that Jethro has such a harsh tone with Moses. He says in verse 17 “what you are doing is not good.” Here is Moses leading God’s people, the head honcho, the big kahun and Jethro is saying that he is wrong…? How could this be? In this just the ramblings of an old man, or is there something more going on here? This is a harsh tone, but it is one that is found throughout the scripture. It seems blatant and harsh, but is it really? There is more going on here then we would realize at times.
You see the scripture says that Jethro and Moses ask about one another when they meet. They catch up on old times and are clearly in a relationship that goes beyond being related by marriage. Also, Jethro celebrates and rejoices with Moses in what God is doing. In effect he is an advocate for Moses and supports him in what hes is doing. Finally, it is clear that Jethro willing to walk with Moses rather than just offer us a sage mandate of what he should do. Jethro goes with Moses and helps him along the way more as a companion than a superior.
Now these harsh words can be viewed for what they are. Jethro is keeping Moses accountable. With love he says these words to keep Moses on the right path. He is helping him on his journey. Jethro not only offers accountability, because he knew this is only half of the battle, but he also offers support. He gives Moses the acknowledge and the know how to make things work. He tells his son-in-law to use the people that are around him.
Jethro was concerned and this is why he spoke the truth in love. He wanted the best for Moses. As we read this story there is much to be learned and we can take much from this. We have to be able to walk with one another. Learn where one another is coming from and then hold one another accountable. Seek solutions together faithfully in order to grow in Christ in all that you do.
