July 10, 2024
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in Exodus and Romans? Here’s today’s reading:
Exodus 18 (NIV)
Jethro Visits Moses
1 Now Jethro, the priest of Midian and father-in-law of Moses, heard of everything God had done for Moses and for his people Israel, and how the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt.
2 After Moses had sent away his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro received her 3 and her two sons. One son was named Gershom, for Moses said, “I have become a foreigner in a foreign land”;……Continue Reading
Exodus 18
Moses takes council from a seemingly unlikely source, but Jethro expresses a faith and acknowledgement of God prior to giving his advice. No mention of God directing the institution of judges here, but there also had not been clear direction from God that Moses was to operate in the manner in which he was when it came to hearing every single complaint or issue that the people dealt with.
Jethro provides wise council on sharing the burden of leadership while maintaining the primacy of leadership that was the responsibility of Moses.
Makes me think of Proverbs 11:14 and 15:22.
Such wise counsel from Jethro, { Moses father in law} He saw how burdened Moses was with all the people coming to him for judgements about everything. The advice that Moses would only make judgements on the hard cases; while he would select men to make judgements on the smaller cases. These men had to be able men, fear God, honest, and hating covetousness. Such as we have a Pastor, other elders, and deacons to lead us in the ways of God. To set the example before us as we follow Jesus and follow their lead. I know it is different for the church is different than what Moses had here with Israel. But as far as spiritual leadership it is the same. And God has given us the complete word of God { Bible} to also instruct us. God bless.
Exodus 18
Exodus 18
Exodus 18
I don’t remember noticing before that Moses had sent his wife and sons back to his father-in-law. Since the Bible does not specify why, it is interesting to consider whether it was after the circumcision incident or as the plagues started and Moses became public enemy #1, did he send them away for their safety? Well it is good to see that as they are reunited here, it is only Jethro who returns to Midian. And as Mose recounts what God had done for the Jews, how wonderful those things were. I hope we all can recount the things that God has done in our lives or even what He has done through or for us as a church. And just think if the best is yet to come? And what wise council Jethro gives Moses to delegate responsibility and include others in the work he was doing…both for his benefit and theirs. How important that is in any organization and how blessed any organization is when good men and women help to take on responsibilities. I know I/we are blessed with many such leaders and servants who make different aspects of Living Hope run well. I would ask everyone to think of the gifts they have and the call that God would place on their lives to serve the needs of the church. It truly does benefit those who are served and those who serve. And it is certainly what God intends….
Exodus 18
Such wise counsel Jethro provides Moses. He sees Moses struggle to do all that needs to get done and shows him a better way. What an amazing thing to see a well-oiled machine work to the best of it’s abilities. Putting the right people in the right place to do the things they are best suited for makes an organization complete and able to function at it’s best. Best to remember to seek God in each step and prayerful consider what people should fill what roles to be sure everyone is where God intended for them to be.
Jethro gives Moses wise advice to relieve the great burden he bore. I think this advice benefits not only Moses, but the whole nation. The recognition of leaders and delegation of responsibilities is even reflective in God’s “government” in the Old Testament with priests and Levites and Judges. And in the New with elders and deacons.
Exodus 18