The Gift of Mentorship: Lessons from Jethro and Moses

Bible Text: Exodus 18:1-27

" If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.” Exodus 18:23 (NIV)

There is a common African proverb that says "If you want to go fast, go alone if you want to go far, go together". Exodus 18:1-27 provides a powerful illustration of mentoring through the relationship between Jethro and Moses. Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, visits Moses and witnesses the immense burden Moses carries as he leads the people of Israel. Recognizing the need for guidance, Jethro offers wise counsel that ultimately transforms Moses' leadership and benefits the entire community. Similarly, an experienced mentor can provide guidance and wisdom to tentmakers, helping them balance their professional work with their faith.

One may ask, "Why do I need a mentoring relationship?". We need mentoring relationships because the advice and experiences of others are important in our journey of life. Moses, called by God, with a big vision for his life to bring about the deliverance of a nation, could not navigate this path alone. Even though he did not know it at that time, Jethro saw that he would wear out before accomplishing God's purpose for his life if he did not take caution.

As Christian workers, businesspeople, professionals, and students, we dedicate our work and skill to serve and expand the kingdom of God, making mentoring a crucial part of our journey. The support from mentoring helps us fulfill our mission and attain our goals. Our big dream in Tent is to have at least one Christian in all workplaces and places of study all over the world. We desire to go far, to the ends of the earth. Knowing this, it is important that the tentmaker does not go alone but goes together with a mentor.

Challenge

What role does a mentor play in your life? Think about the things you have accomplished on your own and things you have accomplished with support from others.

Pray

Dear heavenly father, help us to seek and offer mentorship with open hearts, recognizing it as a divine gift that equips us for greater service and unity in the kingdom of God. In Jesus name, Amen.