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Exodus 18:17–18 — “And Moses’ father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good. Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.”

Leadership can be lonely and overwhelming. Moses bore the weight of judging Israel alone until Jethro wisely counseled him to delegate. Without help, Moses would have worn himself out, and the people would have suffered under delayed care. God never intended for shepherds to carry the entire burden alone.

Pastors today face the same danger. The demands of preaching, counseling, administration, and personal care can become crushing. Many pastors suffer silently, feeling they cannot admit weakness. But Scripture reminds us: “This thing is too heavy for thee.” Shepherds need support.

The burden of lonely leadership not only harms pastors but also hinders the flock. An exhausted shepherd cannot feed well, protect faithfully, or lead effectively. Just as Moses needed capable helpers, pastors need deacons, leaders, and members who share the load.

For pastors, this truth calls for humility. They must acknowledge their limits, seek counsel, and delegate wisely. To try to do everything is not faithfulness but folly. Strength is found not in isolation but in shared labor.

For the flock, this truth is a call to partnership. Members should not stand back while the pastor wears away under the weight. They should step forward, serve faithfully, and bear burdens together. A healthy church shares the work of ministry under the shepherd’s guidance.

The lonely leader finds hope in Christ, who bore the heaviest burden alone on the cross. Yet even He surrounded Himself with disciples to share in His mission. Pastors, like Moses, need helpers, and the flock is called to provide them.