Exodus 18 reminds me of searching for a male role model in my youth. My father was not really part of my life. Any lessons I learned were examples of what not to be. Young men of every age need the steady guidance of an experienced mentor. Today’s lesson is, wisdom knows when to speak. The chapter begins with Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law bringing Zipporah, Moses’ wife and their two sons to Moses in the wilderness. How did he find them? Jethro was a well-connected “priest of Midian” who “heard of everything God had done”. Perhaps it is also possible that Jethro knew Moses would be “camped near the mountain of God”. Remember, this is where Moses first encountered the Lord in the burning bush. We see how important Jethro was was to Moses: “Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him”. This shows deep respect and appreciation to a man who allowed Moses to heal when he escaped from Egypt. Next we read they: “went into the tent. Moses told his father-in-law about everything the Lord had done… for Israel’s sake”. Moses spoke of “the hardships they had met” and “how the Lord had saved them”. I love the reaction: “Jethro was delighted”. I have had the opportunity in adulthood to thank men who ministered to me at critical times. Very few things are more meaningful. To my surprise most were unaware how much they impacted my life for the good. I believe each of these “fathers” were delighted to see how my life turned out. Jethro responded: “Now I know that the Lord is greater than all other gods”. This is how a mature man of God responds. They are overjoyed to see the steady hand of God on those who humbly honor Him.
We see another tender moment in which the seasoned saint leads by example: “Then Jethro… brought a burnt offering and other sacrifices to God”. I believe God loves to hear the praises of His beloved. It is also very easy to love people who love people close to us. Moses’ buddies wanted to spend time with this man as well: “and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses’ father-in-law in the presence of God.” I believe “In God’s presence”, means that their conversation was uplifting and encouraging one another toward righteousness. Is there anyone in your life who consistently encourages you toward godliness?
Jethro apparently stuck around to see his boy at work: “The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge… they stood around him from morning till evening.” Jethro could not resist sharing his observation with Moses. How many other people would have the courage to critique the Law Giver? He asks: “Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?” Moses answers honestly: “Because the people come to me to seek God’s will. Whenever they have a dispute I decide between the parties”. Again, Jethro provides some grounding for Moses: “What you are doing is not good. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.” Jethro knows that when people get to a certain level of achievement, they have a very small circle of trusted advisors. He begins: “Listen now to me and I will give you some advice.” With great respect, Jethro speaks up: “You must be the people’s representative before God”. That means Moses’ job is to: “Teach them His decrees and instructions… show them the way they are to live”. Jethro adds order to the broken process: “Select capable men… men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens… Have them serve as judges.” We serve a God of order. In this simple plan, men are able to grow with experience, taking on bigger roles. Moses has a bigger role: “have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves.” Jethro offers one more insight: “That will make your load lighter” and “all these people will go home satisfied.” Here is the most important sentence in the chapter: “Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said.” With his job completed, “Jethro returned to his own country.” Titus chapter 2 describes the roles for both young and old Christians. The apostle Paul encourages us to be a “Jethro” to someone: “In everything set them an example”. Thank you Lord for the “dads” who took the time to love me.