Wednesdays with Moses

Read Exodus 18:1-5 – And Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel His people—that the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt. Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her back, with her two sons, of whom the name of one was Gershom (for he said, “I have been a stranger in a foreign land”) and the name of the other was Eliezer (for he said, “The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh”);and Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, came with his sons and his wife to Moses in the wilderness, where he was encamped at the mountain of God. (NKJV)

Reunions are wonderful celebrations. After enduring the amazing and challenging days of deliverance from Egypt, Moses’ family can be reunited, and they come celebrating the goodness of God. How does your family celebrate God’s blessings? Do you make a special effort to lead your children in such moments? It’s easy to become so consumed with the challenges of everyday life that we forget to stop and give thanks for the victories we are experiencing. Remember that nine out of ten lepers never returned to thank Jesus for their healing. They’re not significantly different from us. We simply move forward, often failing to rejoice over what has been. If God has blessed your life, plan a time this week to give thanks, and celebrate in a way that will help your children learn how to give thanks to God too.

– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.