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Is There Room For Jethro In The Lds Church?


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Posted

I was just reading the story of Jethro's visit to Moses in the wilderness.

 

https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/ex/18?lang=eng

 

I couldn't help but to wonder if Jethro could have made it as a Mormon.  As you remember, Jethro was Moses' father-in-law.  After just ONE DAY amongst the Israelites, Jethro pulled Moses aside and said:

 

"What you are doing is not good.  You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out.  The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.  Listen now to me and I will give you some advice ... select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens."

 

This was obviously sage advice and somewhat mirrors how things are run in our church today, as priesthood functions are delegated to general authorities, area authorities, district leaders, stake presidents, bishops, etc.  Yet, who in our current church could feel free to speak so frankly to the Prophet?

 

When Sister Kelly from OW had the "nerve" to ask that the Apostles pray for a revelation about extending the priesthood to women ("What you are doing is not good.  The work is too heavy for you men ..."), many members were up in arms.  They cried in one loud voice, "How dareth thou suggesth that the Prophet asketh the Lordeth for revelation?  He has not appointed thee to the task of leading His Church."  In fact, that is the dominate cry on this board whenever anyone has the "temerity" to suggest even the slightest change to how we do things.

 

Just last week, we went round and round because someone had the "unmitigated gall" to suggest that we not have grown men alone in the rooms talking about sex with children.  Immediately, the "faithful" saints were up in arms.  "Heretic!"  "Heathen!"  "Ark steadier!"

 

So perhaps someone can explain to me why Jethro, the Priest of Midian, an outsider, could come out to the wilderness and start barking orders to God's Prophet and yet, long-time members of this Church are flirting with outer darkness if they so much as SUGGEST that the Prophets pray for guidance to add a half-note to a verse in a hymn.  "Who put you in charge of the Lord's meter?"

 

Seriously, what am I missing?  What has changed in this dispensation that has caused the Lord to rest all of his inspiration in 15 men?  Is there not a place in Zion for a Jethro or at least, an Ellie May? (Be still my heart)

Posted

It is the job of those 15 to lead the whole Church. When we signify by the raising our our right hand to sustain anyone in their respective roles. We are giving them that role.

Posted

I was just reading the story of Jethro's visit to Moses in the wilderness.

 

https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/ex/18?lang=eng

 

I couldn't help but to wonder if Jethro could have made it as a Mormon.  As you remember, Jethro was Moses' father-in-law.  After just ONE DAY amongst the Israelites, Jethro pulled Moses aside and said:

 

"What you are doing is not good.  You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out.  The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.  Listen now to me and I will give you some advice ... select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens."

 

This was obviously sage advice and somewhat mirrors how things are run in our church today, as priesthood functions are delegated to general authorities, area authorities, district leaders, stake presidents, bishops, etc.  Yet, who in our current church could feel free to speak so frankly to the Prophet?

 

When Sister Kelly from OW had the "nerve" to ask that the Apostles pray for a revelation about extending the priesthood to women ("What you are doing is not good.  The work is too heavy for you men ..."), many members were up in arms.  They cried in one loud voice, "How dareth thou suggesth that the Prophet asketh the Lordeth for revelation?  He has not appointed thee to the task of leading His Church."  In fact, that is the dominate cry on this board whenever anyone has the "temerity" to suggest even the slightest change to how we do things.

 

Just last week, we went round and round because someone had the "unmitigated gall" to suggest that we not have grown men alone in the rooms talking about sex with children.  Immediately, the "faithful" saints were up in arms.  "Heretic!"  "Heathen!"  "Ark steadier!"

 

So perhaps someone can explain to me why Jethro, the Priest of Midian, an outsider, could come out to the wilderness and start barking orders to God's Prophet and yet, long-time members of this Church are flirting with outer darkness if they so much as SUGGEST that the Prophets pray for guidance to add a half-note to a verse in a hymn.  "Who put you in charge of the Lord's meter?"

 

Seriously, what am I missing?  What has changed in this dispensation that has caused the Lord to rest all of his inspiration in 15 men?  Is there not a place in Zion for a Jethro or at least, an Ellie May? (Be still my heart)

 

You answered your question; Jethro came to Moses, pulled him aside and spoke to him face to face. What Jethro did not do was get up on a mountain and shout out to the children of Israel and tell them how stupid Moses was and how much better they could organize themselves.  Do you see the difference between Jethro and the individual who leads the OW group?  

 

I dislike when leaders of any group become so insulated that they are without the opportunity to talk with other leaders and other groups.  To forfeit the opportunity to observe is to forfeit the opportunity for further revelation and enlightenment.  To observe how it is done elsewhere allows for reflection and comparisons, which leads to revelation.  

 

It may be that the Brethren are insulated; I don't know.  I have never been in a situation to observe them day-to-day on a long term basis.  To make assumptions in my ignorance is not helpful other than to demonstrate that I am ignorant of their daily lives.

 

What I know clearly is that anyone who tries to talk to the prophet or the leader of any group through a newspaper is not interested in discourse or finding an answer. That is a person who will sell their child down the river to obtain the desires of their heart. They are reflective the ways of carnal man to obtain their own ends through force.  I have no patience for their actions and I have no interest in pretending they are honestly pursuing the will of God. 

Posted

You answered your question; Jethro came to Moses, pulled him aside and spoke to him face to face. What Jethro did not do was get up on a mountain and shout out to the children of Israel and tell them how stupid Moses was and how much better they could organize themselves.  Do you see the difference between Jethro and the individual who leads the OW group?  

 

I dislike when leaders of any group become so insulated that they are without the opportunity to talk with other leaders and other groups.  To forfeit the opportunity to observe is to forfeit the opportunity for further revelation and enlightenment.  To observe how it is done elsewhere allows for reflection and comparisons, which leads to revelation.  

 

It may be that the Brethren are insulated; I don't know.  I have never been in a situation to observe them day-to-day on a long term basis.  To make assumptions in my ignorance is not helpful other than to demonstrate that I am ignorant of their daily lives.

 

What I know clearly is that anyone who tries to talk to the prophet or the leader of any group through a newspaper is not interested in discourse or finding an answer. That is a person who will sell their child down the river to obtain the desires of their heart. They are reflective the ways of carnal man to obtain their own ends through force.  I have no patience for their actions and I have no interest in pretending they are honestly pursuing the will of God. 

 

Okay, so maybe we're getting somewhere here.  Helpful suggestions are okay, but not public complaints and criticism (two of my favorites ... for sure).  Okay, I might be able to go with that.

 

Of course, my ignorance of the Prophet's personal itineraries exceeds yours, but my passing familiarity with mathematics tells me that it's impossible for all 15 million members to meet face-to-face with the Apostles.  Fortunately, that isn't necessary because we have "Suggestion Boxes" in each temple, right?

 

Okay, perhaps that's asking a little much.  But seriously, is it encouraged (or at least, not frowned upon) to send suggestions to Church leaders?

Posted

Perhaps many who question how things are done in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints say that communication flows only one way (from the First Presidency, to the Twelve, to the Seventy on the Area level, and down to Ward and Stake leaders).  Members of the First Presidency and of the Twelve, and especially the Seventy are often out among the people, assessing needs and conditions, returning and reporting on them, and then counseling together about how needs may be met and conditions may be improved.  Those who ignore the instruction to counsel with their local leaders over any needs they might have rather than approaching general leaders directly are really saying that they don't trust this process, and/or that they don't really believe any two-way communication is going on.  In light of that distrust, they then go to the media, mount Facebook campaigns, take to Twitter, et cetera.

Posted (edited)

Who could speak so frankly to the Prophet today?  His Counsellors, the 12 Apostles, Leaders of the Auxiliaries, Immediate members of his own family are some of those who immediately spring to mind.  Jethro was in a particular positiion - he had previously helped Moses and I presume he was already a trusted counsellor; he was also a family member.  He had some authority.  He wasn't simply a general member of the children of Israel.  If such a person had come forward, wanting to speak to Moses, I think it probable that he wouldn't have been recieved in the same terms.   There is a difference in the position of Jethro and that of general members of the Church.  Would you have presumed to speak to Moses as Jethro did if you had been there?

 

Let's just assume, for now, that you didn't just make an excellent distinction between Jethro and a typical member, okay?  Otherwise, my question will appear somewhat foolish. ;)

Edited by mormonnewb
Posted (edited)

I had the same impression of Jethro as Sheila, here was someone who likely had already well proved his value of his wisdom to Moses and likely the Lord as his Priest. I have heard some claim Moses received the Priesthood from him.

If you want to attempt to compare to typical lay members, then the closest IMO would be those who had given their life in service to the Lord and the community and had proved not only wisdom, but loyalty in that those they advise know they care about them and want to help them make a better life for themselves, as opposed to making it better for the one giving advice.

Edited by calmoriah
Posted

It is the job of those 15 to lead the whole Church. When we signify by the raising of our right hand to sustain anyone in their respective roles. We are giving them that role.

Or are we putting them up as a demi God? Especially when we are told they are imperfect. Where is the suggestion box when you need one.
Posted

Or are we putting them up as a demi God? Especially when we are told they are imperfect. Where is the suggestion box when you need one.

 

What?

Posted

One of these days someone will start to realize, in a real way, that he/she is not dependent upon another when it comes to direction from God. That person will learn that direction from God comes in many forms to many different people, most of whom are outside the Church of Jesus Christ. That person will know the value of the chosen leaders of the Church but will understand them to be what they are, and will be able to move beyond the clutches of institutional expectation. That person will learn to look upon all others with more admiration than any member currently looks upon the top 15. Once we start to see that way and learn to live, we'll be able to have a godly perspective.

I fear we're a bit stuck.

Someone come along and show us the way.

Posted

Or are we putting them up as a demi God? Especially when we are told they are imperfect. Where is the suggestion box when you need one.

God did say that Moses would be like a god to Israel. ;)

Posted

When I first read this thread's headline, I presumed it was referring to Jethro Clampett of the "Beverly Hillbillies" and the Church's apparent lack of missionary success in converting the moonshine-swigging "mountain folk" who live in the Appalachian Mountain region of the US.

 

 

I was thinking something similar.

Posted

Jethro was giving his son-in-law some sage advice on how to handle a specific administrative situation. Moses was smart enough, to see the wisdom in his father-in-law's ad vice, and humble enough to take that advice to heart. I imagine that Moses was pretty grateful also.

 

Jethro did not try to "guide" Moses on things doctrinal. I don't recall him having anything to say about spreading the priesthood back among the general population of Israel.

 

I expect that President Monson and a host of other prophets have gratefully heeded wise advice of friends, fathers-in-law, etc. on administrative matters and such. Yes, I think that Jethro would have a place in the latter-day church.

 

Glenn

Posted

When I read the topic title I first thought of Jethro from "The Beverly Hillbillies."  And yes, I think that there is room for Jethro, as well as Ellie May, Jed, and Granny in the church.

Posted

Let's just assume, for now, that you didn't just make an excellent distinction between Jethro and a typical member, okay?  Otherwise, my question will appear somewhat foolish. ;)

Okay, then my answer is yes, there is a place for those like Jethro, those who have the confidence of the Prophet and who offer sincere advice in private which the Prophet is free not to take without upsetting the adviser.  However, when those who are not known to the Prophet and who have not been asked to provide advice decide to voluntarily offer that advice in the loudest voice possible so that everyone will know what they think should happen and when those same people seem to insist that the Prophet must take their advice "or else", then I think others can add their voices to the furore and call them out on it.  The CoJCoLdS is an organised church, not a free for all.  The "suggestion box" is to speak to your bishop or stake president or, as Darius Grey and others did, quietly approach and pursue a discussion with the General Authorities.  And, of course, pray.  After all, the Church is run by the Lord, not the members.  If all members were to give their advice to the Prophet whenever they felt like it, he would never get anything done and his "jethro" would need to point out to him that he needed to set up an organisation!

Posted

When I read the topic title I first thought of Jethro from "The Beverly Hillbillies."  And yes, I think that there is room for Jethro, as well as Ellie May, Jed, and Granny in the church.

I had forgotten all about the Beverley Hillbillies!  Even the reference to Ellie-May didn't bring them to mind, my thought there was "who?".  I have seen a few episodes of that show, a long, long time ago.  Don't know how popular it was in the UK. :)

 

Got to love cultural differences!! :)

Posted

One of these days someone will start to realize, in a real way, that he/she is not dependent upon another when it comes to direction from God. That person will learn that direction from God comes in many forms to many different people, most of whom are outside the Church of Jesus Christ. That person will know the value of the chosen leaders of the Church but will understand them to be what they are....

.Someone come along and show us the way.

So we need a leader to show us leaders aren't really needed?
Posted (edited)

Who could speak so frankly to the Prophet today?  His Counsellors, the 12 Apostles, Leaders of the Auxiliaries, Immediate members of his own family are some of those who immediately spring to mind.  Jethro was in a particular positiion - he had previously helped Moses and I presume he was already a trusted counsellor; he was also a family member.  He had some authority.  He wasn't simply a general member of the children of Israel.  If such a person had come forward, wanting to speak to Moses, I think it probable that he wouldn't have been recieved in the same terms.   There is a difference in the position of Jethro and that of general members of the Church.  Would you have presumed to speak to Moses as Jethro did if you had been there?

 

Agreed. Jethro had patriarchal authority in relation to Moses, whereas the general membership do not..

 

And, beyond speaking privately as opposed to publicly, Jethro spoke toi Moses rather than to a crowd on the public square who could do little if anything about the issues raised.

 

Also, Jethro's advise was of an administrative nature, and not of a doctrinal nature. He was suggesting a way to ease Moses burden, rather than how the Ten Commandments could be altered to better fit certain social trends.

 

His advise was also  just a once or twice thing, and a relatively rare exception to the general scriptural rule, as opposed to a daily and weekly event as often the case on this board or other public squares.

 

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

Edited by wenglund
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