Wednesday, February 4, 2015

God's Word Through a Simple Man!

 

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The next morning Moses sat down at the place where he decided legal cases for the people, and everyone crowded around him until evening.  Jethro (the father-in-law of Moses) saw how much Moses had to do for the people, and he asked, “Why are you the only judge? Why do you let these people crowd around you from morning till evening?” 

Moses answered, “Because they come here to find out what God wants them to do.  They bring their complaints to me, and I make decisions on the basis of God's laws.” 

Jethro replied: That isn't the best way to do it.  You and the people who come to you will soon be worn out. The job is too much for one person; you can't do it alone.  God will help you if you follow my advice. You should be the one to speak to God for the people, and you should teach them God's laws and show them what they must do to live right.  You will need to appoint some competent leaders who respect God and are trustworthy and honest. Then put them over groups of 10, 50, 100, and 1,000.  These judges can handle the ordinary cases and bring the more difficult ones to you. Having them to share the load will make your work easier.  This is the way God wants it done. You won't be under nearly as much stress, and everyone else will return home feeling satisfied.  Moses followed Jethro's advice.

Exodus 18:13-24

God had spoken to Moses in big and dramatic ways. The Burning Bush that never burned up while God delivered His message, and the thunder crashing and lightning flashing from the mountain as Moses received the Ten Commandments were awesome in every way.  But then, God also spoke to Moses through his father-in-law Jethro. It was "good common sense" advice about how to handle the daily affairs of serving as the leader of the Children of Israel but it was "the way God wanted it done."

There was nothing glorious or dramatic about Jethro's advice, and the name "Jethro" itself has, at least in the English language, remained an ordinary name for common people. Perhaps the most well know uses of the name were the country music duo of "Homer and Jethro" and of course Jethro Bodine in the Beverly Hillbillies television series in the 1960's!

Remember, God doesn't just speak in big and powerful ways accompanied by lightning and thunder! He also speaks through men and women like Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses. It is hard to ignore a burning bush or roaring thunder, but it is easy to ignore a "Jethro" who comes with the Word of the Lord!

So as you walk with the Lord today, keep your eyes and ears open for the Lord's Word through "Jethro." Of course, the Word of the Lord through "Jethro" is not the only way God speaks today, but when He does use a "Jethro" to proclaim His message it can be easy to ignore!

"Lord, help me today to keep my ears open for Your Word coming through a "Jethro" in my life. And Lord help me to be ready to be a "Jethro" for others who are following You! May You be praised forever! Amen."

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