https://esv.literalword.com/?q=exodus+18
Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Friday, 17 January 2025:
Exodus 18:1 — Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law….
In this chapter, Jethro is referred to as Moses’ father-in-law 13 times but only 8 times by name and only twice independent of the title father-in-law. The clear emphasis is on Jethro’s positional relationship with Moses. He had a significant, positive influence on Moses’ life and helped shape Moses’ character and influenced his decisions. We don’t know much about Moses’ actual father Amram, apart from the fact that he was a second-generation Levite, one of the four sons of Kohath (Exodus 6:18), married his aunt, Jochebed (contrary to Levitical law yet codified — Lev. 18:12–13; 20:19–20), fathered Aaron, Moses, and Miriam, and lived 137 years. Amram was apparently alive during the time of the Exodus, but there is no mention in the Bible of him interacting with Moses. Reportedly, Amram lived, married, had children, and died. On the other hand, Jethro was a true priest before the Lord (though not a Levite) who gave Moses refuge during his personal exile, gave Moses his daughter in marriage, likely taught Moses how to live in the desert, took care of Moses’ family while he was in Egypt, and mentored Moses in many other ways. He was invested in Moses’ life.
Moses lived with this shepherd/priest, Jethro, and served Jethro for around 40 years, and during that time had two children — The name of the one was Gershom (for he said, “I have been a sojourner in a foreign land”), and the name of the other, Eliezer (for he said, “The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh”). (Exodus 18:3-4) Judging from how Moses named his children, during his time under Jethro’s care, Moses began to see himself as, not a mere victim of circumstances, but as a person mercifully saved and blessed by God. It would appear that Jethro helped prepare Moses for his burning bush encounter with God and future mission of shepherding God’s sheep (people) in the desert for 40 years where he had once shepherded Jethro’s sheep. Today, when Moses sees Jethro again, Moses “bowed down and kissed him.” (Exodus 18:7) Moses, now the leader of God’s people, showed deep love and respect for Jethro.
“And Jethro rejoiced for all the good that the Lord had done to Israel, in that he had delivered them out of the hand of the Egyptians.” Jethro had rejoiced not in Moses’ success, but rather for all the good that the Lord had done to Israel. Jethro’s desire for Moses was that Moses would serve God faithfully and skillfully for God’s greater purposes and for the benefit of God’s people as he served as God’s instrument of grace.
Who is your Jethro, and whose Jethro are you? In whose life are you investing, and is it merely for their success or for their unity with Christ and their faithful and skillful service to Him?
Exodus 18:7-12 – Then Moses told his father-in-law all that the LORD had done…. And Jethro rejoiced for all the good that the LORD had done…. And Jethro, Moses’ 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’ father-in-law before God.
When godly people get together, they naturally talk about what God has done and is doing because it is what they are most excited about. Godly people love to be with other godly people who they can truly share life with, joyful relationships full of praise and worship for God. When God’s people get together for fellowship, worship should automatically breakout.
Exodus 18:20 – You shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do.
What did God expect the national leader to do? No one is exempt from the commands of God, regardless what they choose to believe. There is one God, and He is sovereign over all. This is part of the truth God has called us to proclaim.
Exodus 18:21 – Look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.
The organizational concept of “span of control” is taught in the Bible, which in the military might look like forces, brigades, divisions, regiments, battalions, companies, platoons, squads, and fire teams. The fundamental concept is that leaders should focus their energies on developing (training, teaching, coaching, mentoring, and supporting) three to twelve other leaders, encouraging them to do the same. This is also the “Master Plan for Evangelism.” Consider the requirements and responsibilities to be a squad leader in ‘God’s army.’ Are you a squad leader? What is the condition of your troops? Are you building leaders in Jesus who, in turn, can make squad leaders? Write down the names of your squad and evaluate how you are doing with them. Write down the names of their respective squads. How are they doing with them?
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 17 January 2025: Today, pray that God will put the right people in your life to help you grow in Christlike character (God’s goal for your life – Romans 8:29), and pray that God will place people in your life who need your help to grow in Christlike character. Invest in Christ-centered relationships (not just relationships) as a top priority.
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 