Let’s recall that Moses spent 40 years with Jethro, who we’re focusing on in today’s Bible passage. At this time in the account, Moses is 80 and Jethro is bringing his family to him.
These verses serve as an introduction to the section about Jethro. They might seem unimportant at first glance, but if you look closely, you’ll find they contain quite a lot of information.
Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’s father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for his people Israel, how the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt.
After Moses had sent away his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro took her back,
Along with her two sons. The name of the one was Gershom (for he had said, “I have been an alien in a foreign land”),
And the name of the other was Eliezer (for he had said, “The God of my father was my help and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh”). (Exodus 18.1-4).
We’re unsure why or when Moses sent his wife and children away. Possibly, it was to safeguard them from Egypt. The exact reason remains unknown. This situation prompts us to reflect on the role of family and our walk with God.
Let’s think for a moment about how the support and understanding of family members either enhance or hinder our walk with God.
Alcoholics Anonymous teaches that finances and relationships often challenge people’s sobriety. However, a supportive spouse can also aid in maintaining sobriety or following the Lord.
The names Gershom and Eliezer were given based on their experiences and encounters with God.
We may not have names that mirror our encounters with God, but we’ve surely had such experiences.
Let’s think about times in our lives when we felt God’s presence or intervention. How have these experiences shaped our faith and understanding of God’s involvement in our lives?
Moses Recounts God’s Deeds
Moses had a lot to discuss with his father-in-law, Jethro. Imagine what transpired between Moses, Jethro, Zipporah, and their grown sons.
Then Moses told his father-in-law all that the Lord had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardship that had found them on the way, and how the Lord had delivered them.
Jethro rejoiced for all the good that the Lord had done to Israel, in delivering them from the Egyptians (Exodus 18.8-9).
Imagine how it must have been for the family, hearing stories of struggles in Egypt and journeys through the wilderness. Think about Moses re-connecting with his wife during this time. Now, relate that to our own lives.
How do we share our experiences with God?
Do our children understand how God has influenced our life?
Are our co-workers aware of this?
How can we share and celebrate these stories of what God has done in our lives?
Awareness and Celebration
Moses’ story of God’s actions for the Israelites made it clear to Jethro that Jehovah was the greatest of the gods.
A few important points need to be mentioned. First, Jethro was not a believer in one God, but in many. He viewed Jehovah as the most superior of these gods.
Second, if you check your Bible – assuming it’s a recent version – lower capital letters represent the holy name of God, either referred to as Yahweh or Jehovah.
Jethro said, “Blessed be the Lord [Jehovah], who has delivered you from the Egyptians and from Pharaoh.
Now I know that the Lord [Jehovah] is greater than all gods, because he delivered the people from the Egyptians, when they dealt arrogantly with them.”
And Jethro, Moses’s father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’s father-in-law in the presence of God (Exodus 18.10-12).
In today’s world, we face various belief systems. How can we strengthen our faith in God’s supremacy and distinguish it from other worldviews?
I think one of the best ways is by telling the story of God’s activity in our lives.
Even if we don’t know much about theology or world religions, our personal experiences with God can be shared. Just as the blind man Jesus healed told the Pharisees, “I once was blind, but now I see.”
Another man put it this way: “I don’t understand how Jesus turned water into wine, but I know he turned to alcohol furniture for my home and food and clothes for my kids.”
Jethro, Moses, and the elders of Israel celebrated God’s wonderful deeds. How can we also celebrate what God does in our lives? Who should we share these amazing stories with?
Let’s take time to reflect on God’s story and His blessings. Remembering His good deeds is important, and we should celebrate them with our friends, family, colleagues, and others around us.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross, Whispering Danny and I discuss this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 