Join the Team • Devotion 3

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Gary Wright

“Teamwork makes the dream work” is a phrase that you have probably heard. It is when a group of people who have a common goal work together to make it happen. If you have ever been on a team that works together you know how true the phrase can be.

In Exodus chapter 18, Moses, the leader of the Israelite people, is doing his best to lead the people as God had called him to do, but Moses is trying to do everything on his own. He is even settling basic disputes among the people.

Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law tells Moses, “You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone” (Exodus 18:18). Jethro warns Moses that if he continues trying to do everything on his own, he will not only wear himself out, but it will also affect the Israelite people. Jethro makes it clear that Moses cannot do everything alone.

Jethro suggests that Moses set up a team to help settle disputes. In Exodus 18:21, we read, “Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.” The team would have the same goal as Moses because they would be men of God that were trustworthy. Every ten people would have one of these godly leaders to talk to about disputes. If the leader of ten could not solve the dispute it would be referred to the person in charge of 50, then 100, and then 1,000. After that, then and only then it would go to Moses.

Jethro says in Exodus 18:22, “So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you.” Jethro lets Moses know this will make things easier. Warren Wiersbe says the Hebrew word translated ‘‘easier” means ‘‘to take cargo from a ship.” The team would take some of the weight of Moses’ ministry off his shoulders and carry some of his burdens so he could focus on the leadership of the Israelites.
 
The River Church has men and women who have been called by God to lead in different ministries. They cannot do it alone. Just like Moses, these leaders need a team of godly, trustworthy volunteers with the same goals to come alongside and take some of the weight off of them and help carry some of the burdens. The church needs people like you and me.

God can use a good team under a good leader to do far more than one person could ever do on their own and far more than we could ever imagine. A good team will also keep our leaders from becoming bogged down or burnt out. The River Church needs us. Pray about where the Lord wants you to serve and join the team!

Teamwork makes the dream work!