"Teach them his decrees and
instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave."
Exodus 18:20
"What are you doing?"
Moses thought that Jethro simply wanted to
know what he was doing. So he proceeded to describe his work, his unending
responsibilities, and all of the activity that revolved around him.
Actually, Jethro had already observed these things and instead wanted to
communicate this message to Moses: "The way you are working is harming yourself and
these people."
Then Jethro told Moses how to improve for his own good and also for the good of the people. What he most
needed was to "teach, train, educate, and instruct" so that the
people themselves would know how to act and what to do, instead of depending solely on him.
Several weeks ago I (Fernando) had the joy of seeing
pictures of Garifuna seminary students, our brothers and sisters, graduating after
completing their first level of theological training. It was also encouraging to
hear how much this event meant to their lives. Some shared that they cried for
joy, and others told us they had never graduated from anything before in their
lives, and it was truly a great blessing to be a part of that experience. I am
convinced that these small steps ("Studying the First Principles"
series) will help the Garifuna church leaders "show [others] the way they
are to live and how they are to behave."
I do not completely agree with graduations
in theological studies; I am convinced that theological training should be an
ongoing and lifelong process. However, reaching this point is good for
reflecting on the journey thus far and for recognizing once again that God has
been faithful. My brothers and sisters went through countless difficulties:
family conflicts, illnesses, ministry conflicts, and more. But they have
persevered, and praise God because He never leaves us to walk alone, and He has
shown His faithfulness to these students, His children and servants.
"Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of
joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will
return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them." Psalm 126:5-6
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