Middle management, volcanos and getting stoned. Exodus 18 - 20.

I'm finding these chapters quite entertaining: There's practical advice, drama, comedy, and plenty to make you think. So here it is:

Practical advice: Moses father-in-law sees Moses dealing with peoples disputes and questions all day long (teaching them God's laws), and tells him he'll burn out doing it that way. He helps Moses set up competent leadership structures to handle the daily stuff, whilst Moses only handles the serious issues. Marcus Buckingham has it right - successful companies have good middle management and he has the research to prove it.

Drama: It was a dark and stormy night! No, it was a smokey and burning mountain. With darkness. Oh and lightening and thunder. And don't touch it, or you'll die. And anyone who touches the person who touches the mountain, they get stoned (not in a good way). That's the context in which Moses ascends Mount Sinai. Fear and trembling all-round.

Comedy: The way the author of Exodus keeps reminding us that Jethro is Moses' father-in-law. Do we have a short-term memory problem or something? "Moses, I am you faaaaaasha!......in-law". Also an irreligious thought when God tells Moses what will happen with those who touch the ones who touched the mountain. I pictured John Cleese saying "Stone them! That right - kill them! [dramatic music] No, wait...ummm....shoot them with arrows! Yes that's better - shoot them to death!". Like I said, irreligious, but funny.

Contemplative: Those ten commandments. Simple, but complex. Easy, but difficult. Strange, yet familiar. Why those 10? (and the other 603?). Need to think..............