In this week’s Torah Portion, we are introduced to Mose’s father in law, Yitro. Upon introduction, Moses approaches him, and kisses his father in law, and starts to share what has been going on w/ his people, "The Society". Yitro hears, and more importantly listens to his son in law with great intent, & starts to coach and advise his son in law, Moses, as not to bite off more than he can chew, and for the good of all of "The People":
18:14
So when Moses's father-in-law saw all that he did for the people, he said, "What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you do this alone, and all the people stand before you from morning until evening?" Or as most parents would say, "don't bite off more than you can chew."
15 And Moses said to his father-in-law, "Because the people come to me to inquire and have questions.”
16 When they have a difficulty, they come to me;
17 Yitro said to him, "The thing that you do is not good……
18 Both you and these people, who are with you will surely wear yourselves out. For this thing is too much for you alone and everybody is honestly getting cheated in the end; you are not able to act this by yourself to be so effective.
19-22 ……”And you shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and show them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do.
Moreover, you shall select from all the people, the able people, such people that have
understanding and compassion unto…………
And let them judge the people always, and NOT just you. Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. So, it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you.
If you do this thing, then you will be able to endure, and this entire people will also go to their place in peace."
This is very meaningful and powerful! It inevitably helps Moses feel better,as well as all the people!
Moses has supposedly already established himself as a leader, a teacher, and a strong person, and is well into his own life, when he first meets his father in law, and shares with him, based on love, trust and Yitro’s own position of the land, but what really is meaningful to me, is Moses shows the utmost love and respect and adheres to "THE" advice, and I see the beauty in this because of Yitro being Moses’s wife’s father; Unconditional love and respect!
The Hebrew word ‘moreh’ is derived from the verb ‘yarah’, "to teach," "to direct," and indicates one who directs, or gives answers to…... So, Yitro is a “Moreh”, in a fatherly manner to Moses, and Moses follows his father in law’s teachings and common sense.
Like Moses, we ALL have people who teach us, hear and advise us, befriend us and love us in such a healthy manner and when one of my ‘influencers’ offers a word of advice to me, I most definitely hear, but more importantly, I listen, or at least try to indeed! The ability to hear and listen to sound advice is not always an easy task, but it is vital as part of our very own growth at any age, and those that really love us, just might teach, lead ‘n listen, and offer a helping and loving hand to you! That's Love!
Who is your Yitro?
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