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YAG 18th Retreat: Session 2

Text: Deuteronomy 1
28 September 2013

YAG 18th RETREAT
SESSION #2
Saturday, 28 September 2013
Time: 9.00am
Theme: “SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP IV”

ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE (Deuteronomy 1)

1. Moses thought over what Jethro spoke to him            Exodus 18

a) He did not just implement all that Jethro said to him immediately
b) The Exodus text does not reveal that Moses thought over what Jethro said
c) It merely reveals the source of wisdom… from Jethro
d) Moses would have done the following things:-

i) He would have mulled over all that was shared with him
ii) He would have brought everything to God in prayer
iii) He would have made some decisions along the way

2. His realization of the wisdom of Jethro’s words            Deuteronomy 1

This text reveals how Moses implemented what Jethro shared with him.

a) Acceptance of human limitations

I alone am not able to bear you            Deuteronomy 1:9

b) Recognition of the size of the nation of Israel

The LORD your God has multiplied you…as the stars of heaven in multitude            Deuteronomy 1:10

c) Further recognition of potential growth in the future

May the LORD God of your fathers make you a thousand times more numerous            Deuteronomy 1:11a

d) Further understanding that the limits of God’s blessings have not been reached

And bless you as He has promised you            Deuteronomy 1:11b

e) Candid confession that one can do so much and no more

How can I alone bear…?            Deuteronomy 1:12

i) Your problems
ii) Your burdens
iii) Your complaints            Deuteronomy 1:12

3. Shared leadership responsibilities

a) More leaders needed            Deuteronomy 1:12-13
b) Involvement of the people in choosing leaders            Deuteronomy 1:13
c) Qualities of leaders

i) Wise
ii) Understanding
iii) Knowledgeable

d) Appointment will come from Moses            Deuteronomy 1:13

i) Recognition
ii) Official
iii) Approval

4. Response of the people

The thing which you have told us to do is good            Deuteronomy 1:14

a) They liked the concept of openness in sharing
b) They also liked the idea of involvement in leadership responsibilities
c) They recognized the practical wisdom displayed

5. Leaders were appointed

Officers for your tribes            Deuteronomy 1:15

a) Leaders of thousands
b) Leaders of hundreds
c) Leaders of fifties
d) Leaders of tens

6. Some modifications to Jethro’s advice

a) To be expected
b) Not disrespectful to Jethro
c) Moses understood the context of leadership better
d) Consultation with the people was practised
e) More qualities of leaders added

i) To discern true potential
ii) To safeguard leadership
iii) To ensure better leadership
iv) To help people understand the challenges of leadership