Empowered by Grace: Understanding Our Purpose in Serving - Exodus 18

Greetings!
As we embark on this journey of grace together, we find ourselves reflecting on a core question: What happens when we experience God's grace in our lives? Our response to His mercy and kindness shapes our faith and our daily actions. Do we feel entitled and expect more, or do we feel empowered, transformed into servants driven by gratitude?

17 So Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing that you do is not good.

When God shows up powerfully in our lives, we have choices in how we respond. In the story of the Israelites, who were delivered from Egyptian bondage, their journey was mirrored by repeated miracles. They saw plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and God's provision in the wilderness. Yet, rather than responding with gratitude, they defaulted to complaint and entitlement, as if God owed them endlessly.

In contrast, Jesus illustrates a profound response to grace in Luke 7:44-50. Here we see a woman washing Jesus’ feet with her tears while Simon, the host, neglects even basic hospitality. What made the difference? Jesus explains, "Her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little." The woman understood the weight of her sin and the magnitude of forgiveness. This speaks to the heart of grace—knowing our own frailty leads us to genuine gratitude and service.

Let's shift focus to Peter. Early in his ministry, Peter was eager to prove himself, often acting from self-effort rather than grace. Yet, towards the end of his journey, his epistles reflect a man transformed by grace. "Rest your hope fully upon the grace to be brought to you" (1 Peter 1:13), he writes. Peter learned that Christian living is about resting in grace, clothed in humility, knowing that "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:5).

Moses reminds us of the pressures leaders face. Tasked with delivering a nation, he juggled enormous responsibilities—from confronting Pharaoh to shepherding a complaining people. Into this whirlwind steps Jethro, his father-in-law, who becomes a voice of reason. Observing Moses' exhaustive commitment, Jethro speaks truth: "What you are doing is not good. You will surely wear yourselves out" (Exodus 18:17-18).

Moses needed someone to care for his personal well-being—to speak wisdom into his life. This interaction highlights the importance of accountability and healthy community relationships.

Jethro's counsel to Moses is a timeless lesson in servant leadership. He advises the selection of "able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness" (Exodus 18:21). Let's dive deeper into these qualities:

Selfless Service
Even amidst his struggles, Moses demonstrated a servant's heart. In the heat of personal trials, he protected Jethro’s daughters at a well. True service involves placing others first, even when life is challenging.

Endurance in Ministry
Ministry demands perseverance. Endurance comes through God's grace as we build sustainable lives, balancing service with personal care.

Righteous Motivation
Servant leaders are motivated not by recognition, power, or wealth but by a deep love for God and His people. They embody integrity, steering clear of self-serving motivations.

Vision Alignment
Like Moses, true leaders pursue God's vision, not their own agendas. Unity in vision fosters unity in community, making mission endeavors more effective and fulfilling.

Accountability and Delegation
Moses shows us humility by maintaining accountability, even under God's direct guidance. He teaches us to delegate, empower, and allow others to share in the ministry workload.

Team Orientation
Healthy ministry thrives on collaborative effort. By lifting one another's burdens, we ease the path and energize our shared mission.

As a community of believers, we are called to live out Hebrews 13:17: make the work of our leaders a joy, not a burden. This principle extends beyond church leadership into daily interactions. When we operate in the grace of God, we actively contribute to a community where life becomes easier for others rather than harder. It's through grace that we become encouragers, not critics, and supporters rather than gossipers.

God's message to Pharaoh was clear: “Let my people go that they may serve me.” Deliverance was not for comfort but for service. We're called not just to bask in our salvation but to serve actively out of gratitude. The woman who washed Jesus’ feet illustrates this perfectly, as her love expressed through service stemmed from profound gratitude.

Maybe you’re feeling sidelined, unsure of your contribution to God's kingdom, or burnt out from over-commitment. Remember, God’s grace is your sufficiency. If passive, consider stepping into service. Positively impact those around you by blessing and encouraging. If overwhelmed, seek rest and support—allow others to serve you and create a sustainable balance.

Grace transforms us from entitled complainers into empowered servants. We must determine which we’ll choose.

Embrace the call to serve, knowing that in Jesus, you find endless grace to empower you. Let's pray together:

"Father, thank you for your boundless grace that transforms our lives. We ask for the humility to serve, the wisdom to lead with love, and the strength to entrust all burdens to you. Teach us to live as empowered servants in our community, in Brooklyn, and wherever you lead us. Bless each reader and guide us all to live out your purpose in love and gratitude. Amen."

Begin with small, intentional acts of kindness. Service isn't confined to grand gestures but is often found in everyday moments.

Speak with your church leaders. They'll help you identify your strengths and find suitable areas where you can contribute meaningfully.

Permit yourself to take a step back and rest. Seek balance by setting boundaries, and prioritize spending time in God's presence for restoration.

Gratitude starts by recognizing the depth of God's mercy toward us. In Luke 7:47, Jesus says, "Her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little." Reflect on your journey, the transformation that grace has wrought in your life, and respond with thanksgiving. Engage in practices like journaling or prayer, specifically focusing on the ways God has moved in your life. This intentional reflection can shift your perspective from entitlement to deep appreciation and service.

Delegation is a critical component of effective ministry, as demonstrated by Moses' experience in Exodus 18:21-22. Jethro advised Moses to select "able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness" to share the burden. This advice prevented Moses from burning out and ensured the community's needs were met efficiently. By delegating, Moses could focus on the bigger picture and maintain personal well-being. Similarly, by sharing responsibilities, ministries can thrive through collective effort, ensuring leaders maintain the capacity to serve well over the long term.