Family Matters

Today’s Verse:

And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians. ~Exodus 18:9

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When I married my wife, I was very thankful for the influence of her father, otherwise known as my father-in-law. He was a friendly, kind, sociable, and wise man. We had many great times discussing business, family, and spiritual matters. This morning, we see the influence that Jethro, the father-in-law to Moses, had on Moses’ life and ministry. We must never underestimate the powerful impact that family can have in our lives. Let us see why family matters.

We see his confidence.

“And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians…Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.” Jethro had faith in God. When he heard the testimony of Moses concerning Egypt, he accepted, by faith, the awesomeness of God as Creator, Lord, Saviour, and Sustainer. He believed God! He rejoiced at the goodness of the Lord. He testified that there was only one God.

We see his communion.

“And Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent.” Jethro and Moses had sweet fellowship with each other. Their fellowship was grounded in fealty. Moses had great respect for and obedience to his father-in-law. As we saw previously, their fellowship was centered on their faith. Their fellowship also revolved around family. Jethro escorted Zipporah, Gershom, and Eliezer back to Moses. There was a sweet family reunion time. Their fellowship also revolved around fortune. They inquired of each other’s welfare. It’s wonderful when family can fellowship together.

We see his consecration.

“And Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law before God.” Jethro was a priest of Midian. However, he demonstrated a powerful testimony of his faith in the Lord when he brought a burnt offering and sacrifices for God. Jethro showed his first steps of faith by dedicating himself to the worship of God. The sacrifice he offered to God was a bold statement among his fellow Midianites. When we start Exodus 18, he is the priest of Midian. As we progress through the chapter, he is a fellow believer in our Lord. He was a holy man of God.

We see his counsel.

“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.” Jethro gave Moses excellent counsel on administration, delegation, and leadership. Jethro’s counsel enabled Moses to have a closer walk with God. It enabled him to lead more efficiently. It enabled him to develop more leaders. It enabled him to get more done in the same amount of time. It made him more accessible to the many people God made him a leader over. Jethro’s counsel was invaluable and came at a critical time in Moses’ life.

Don’t overlook or underestimate the good influence your family can have over you and your influence over your family. Family matters, especially in critical decisions and steps in our life.

Have a family-honoring God Morning!

Bible Reading Schedule: Genesis 46-47

#Jethro #Faith #Moses #Exodus #Counsel