WISE COUNSEL

365 Days of Thanksliving — Day 249

It’s good to have folks in your life you can bounce things off of, wouldn’t you agree? I think having people like that is essential; at least, that’s my two cents on the matter. Even Moses—like, THE MOSES—did that once when he found himself in a pickle.

With God doing all the heavy lifting, he’d led the Israelites out of Egypt and toward the Promised Land. But while wandering the wilderness, managing the masses was wearing him thin. Between the constant moaning and the ceaseless groaning, Moses was hitting a wall. So, frustrated and exhausted, he got some much-needed advice from his father-in-law.

Now, Moses was no spring chicken. By this time, he was well over 80 and wise by any standard measure. His father-in-law, Jethro? Scripture doesn’t record his exact age, but knowing Moses was already ancient himself, Jethro had to have been up there in years. Having lived that long as a tribal leader, a priest, and a father of seven daughters (which is enough to cause any man to go bald), wisdom had to have been a part of Jethro’s repertoire.

Anywho, as the story goes, Moses went to dear old dad (in-law), and Jethro offered some counsel. Exodus records the result:

"Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. So Moses chose able men from all Israel and made them leaders over the people as commanders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. They judged the people at all times; they would bring the hard cases to Moses, but they would judge every minor case themselves."

I still seek counsel from my dear old dad, and sometimes from my father-in-law, too. Having aged and made their fair share of mistakes in life, they’re usually glad to pass down some solid advice when asked. (They’ve also learned not to offer it when it isn't sought; that almost always leads to heartache.)

Well, anyway, today I’m thankful for the gaggle of pastoral-peer friends who answered the call after I sought out their guidance. One of my questions was simple and innocuous; the other was a bit more pressing. I’m keeping both of those close to the chest for now. Hey, sometimes even pastors need counsel.

In any event, this evening I’m grateful for my LCMC peers spread across the nation who are willing to share a bit of insight from what they’ve learned and done over the years. When it all aligns, you just know the advice you’ve received is golden.

Thank you, Lord, for wise counselors who are quick to listen and thoughtful in speech. I thank you for them, and I thank you that you are the author of all wisdom, and for guiding me through them.

Anyway, my friends… what are you thankful for today? Comment below!