With miraculous help from the Lord, Moses had led the Israelites out of bondage. In addition to guiding the people, he also answered questions and settled disputes. He was their only leader.
But there was a problem. Moses was trying to care for several hundred thousand people! His father-in-law, Jethro, wisely told Moses that he couldn’t keep this up. “Thou wilt surely wear away,” Jethro said. “This thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone” (Exodus 18:18).
So Moses called righteous leaders to handle the day-to-day concerns. Any major issues would be brought to Moses’s attention, but the smaller things could be handled locally.
We see this organization throughout the Church today.
- The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve delegate responsibility to Area Authorities.
- Area Authorities delegate to stake presidencies, who delegate to bishops.
- The bishop of a ward has Relief Society and quorum and class presidencies to help.
- And the whole ward family is supported by ministering sisters and brothers.
It’s a great system! There’s help for everyone. And each time you fulfill a calling or assignment, you are helping the prophet—and the Lord Himself.