Dear Family,
Today is Wednesday, May 24, 2023. It is Day 46; Day 4 of Week 7 in our Count to Pentecost.
In order to strike the rock at Mt. Horeb, Moses and the elders had gone ahead to camp near the base of the mountain. The people followed and arrived soon after. It is at this camp that Jethro brought Moses’ family to him.
We know little about Jethro except that he was a priest in Midian (Exodus 3:1). Of course, God had not set up His priesthood yet. That would be done in the months following Pentecost. However, Jethro recognized something special about the God Who had delivered Israel from Pharaoh and Egyptian slavery.
In Exodus 3:18 we learn Jethro also had another name. The name Reuel means friend of God.
Exodus 3:18 And when they came to Reuel their father, he said; How is it that ye are come so soon to day?
Apparently, Jethro was quite discerning and had a bit of wisdom. He noticed how overworked Moses was in dealing with the everyday leadership of the people. Much of Moses’ time was used in settling squabbles and various disputes. Jethro suggested a way to ease Moses’ efforts and share the responsibilities with other leaders. And, Jethro also suggested that Moses ask God about the suggestion.
Exodus 18:13, 16, 19-23 (13) And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening. (16) When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and His laws (19) Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God: (20) And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. (21) Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: (22) And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee. (23) If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.
There are many lessons we can learn from this account. Here are several to ponder:
- Moses’ ceaseless efforts on behalf of God’s people
- Moses’ humility in taking wise counsel from others
- Jethro’s wisdom
- Sometimes we learn important things from unexpected sources (Jethro)
- God can use anybody for His purposes (even a non-Israelite priest of Midian)
- Statutes, ordinances, and laws of God were already in existence and being used
May God bless us all with the spirit of wisdom, insight, and humility.
Ben Faulkner, Pastor
©2023, Church of the Sovereign God