In Exodus 18:1-12, we read of the sweet reunion between Moses and his family, with specific emphasis on his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian.
Despite the fact that Jethro and Moses did not share the same ethnic heritage or faith, Moses shows great honor to the man who had accepted him as a son (Exodus 2:11-22). We read how Moses goes out to meet Jethro. He doesn’t wait to be approached with a stiff request for audience; he displays open joy at Jethro’s arrival, showing honor and respect. Moses bows down before Jethro, kisses him, and invites him into his tent to catch up. In a day when we stumble so hard over our differences, Moses’s treatment of Jethro lands like a balm—a reminder that we can show respect and honor even while we continue to await the work of God to bridge differences.
And God’s work in Jethro is a thing of beauty! When Jethro hears from Moses the report of the LORD on behalf of Israel, he gives praise and glory to God and is gifted saving knowledge (Exodus 18:11). He makes a declaration of faith in the One true God. A Gentile, pagan priest receives the gift of faith in response to the report of the Lord. Jethro gets saved!
Think about it. Do any of us have someone about whom we secretly think, “I love [name], and it is never going to happen. I’ve prayed and prayed for so long now?” But, if God can save Jethro of Midian, a priest devoted to a foreign religion, simply because he hears the mighty deeds the LORD has done to deliver those who love Him, then who needs to start hearing the stories of our deliverance? Who else might God save through the hearing of our testimony, the report of the LORD in our lives?
Sunday School for all ages begins weekly at 9:45 AM. All are warmly welcome.
