Today’s Reading: Exodus 18, Psalm 145

Moses told his father-in-law everything the Lord had done to Pharaoh and Egypt on behalf of Israel. He also told about all the hardships they had experienced along the way and how the Lord had rescued his people from all their troubles. Jethro was delighted when he heard about all the good things the Lord had done for Israel… “Praise the Lord,” Jethro said, “…I know now that the Lord is greater than all other gods, because he rescued his people from the oppression of the proud Egyptians.” – Exodus 17:8-11

I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD. I WILL USE YOUR STORY TO HELP OTHERS BELIEVE THAT I AM GOD.

The Midianites were descendants of Abraham’s son, Midian. After Sarah died, Abraham remarried and his new wife gave birth to several sons. The Midianites were descendants of Abraham, but their religion had evolved over the years to include the worship of other gods rather than worshiping only the one true God. So this was a significant moment for the Midianite priest, Jethro, to recognize that the Lord God is greater than all other gods.

How wonderful it is when God uses the story of our lives to help others find faith in Him. When Moses fled from Egypt as a young man, he rested near a well in Midian. The seven daughters of the Midianite priest, Jethro, came to the well to draw water for their flocks but shepherds chased them away. Moses came to their rescue, defending them against the shepherds and then drawing water for their flocks. When Jethro heard of the kindness of this young Egyptian, he invited him to dinner and then to stay with them. He eventually gave Moses his daughter in marriage, and together they had two sons. God provided for Moses through Jethro.

This encounter with Jethro in Exodus 17 came 40 years after Moses left to help the Israelites escape slavery in Egypt. Before his encounter with Pharaoh, Moses had been a shepherd for his father-in-law for years. Jethro and Moses had been family now for a long time. I imagine this was a powerful moment for Moses when Jethro acknowledged the supremacy of the God of Israel.

GOD HAD USED MOSES IN THE LIFE OF JETHRO AND NOW HE WAS GOING TO ONCE AGAIN USE JETHRO IN THE LIFE OF MOSES.

The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. – Psalm 145:14

Leading the large nation of Israel came with a lot of pressure and responsibility. Each day Moses would listen to a line of people coming with their disputes to settle and their problems to solve. From morning to evening, Moses would deal with all that the people brought to him. Moses had taught Jethro about God and now Jethro taught Moses about delegation — about leaders leading leaders. Jethro’s leadership advice equipped Moses with a healthy system for governing this large nation.

My daughter persistently invited her friend, Nicole, to come to church when they were in junior high. She began to attend regularly and gave her life to Jesus. She became very involved in the youth group and soon felt a call into youth ministry. Not only did Brooke do something wonderful for Nicole when she invited her to church, Nicole has become an amazing friend for Brooke — a clear gift from God. They both attended Olivet Nazarene University, where each of them got involved in ministry while pursuing God’s call on their life. Nicole is now a youth pastor in South Carolina and Brooke is now a youth pastor in Indiana. Both of them are walking out their “yes” in order that other young people will come to know Jesus and understand God’s calling on their lives.

WHEN WE RESPOND IN OBEDIENCE, GOD BLESSES US WITH THE RESULTS OF OUR OBEDIENCE. I LIKE TO CALL THIS THE BOOMERANG EFFECT.

Thank you, Jehovah, for giving us opportunities to share our faith journey with others. Thank you for the many friendships that are formed as those we love come to acknowledge you as their Savior and Lord. Help us to see the potential of those around us and be persistent in our efforts to lead them to you. Use the story of your great power displayed in our lives. Bring those who do not believe to a saving knowledge of who YOU are as they see your light reflected in us. Amen.

Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue;
I will proclaim your greatness.
Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness;
they will sing with joy about your righteousness.
The Lord is merciful and compassionate,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
The Lord is good to everyone.
He showers compassion on all his creation.
All of your works will thank you, Lord,
and your faithful followers will praise you. – Psalm 145:6-7