Read Exodus 18:7-12 – So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, bowed down, and kissed him. And they asked each other about their well-being, and they went into the tent. And Moses told his father-in-law all that the Lord had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardship that had come upon them on the way, and how the Lord had delivered them. Then Jethro rejoiced for all the good which the Lord had done for Israel, whom He had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians. And Jethro said, “Blessed be the Lord, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of Pharaoh, and who has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. Now I know that the Lord is greater than all the gods; for in the very thing in which they behaved proudly, He was above them.” Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and other sacrifices to offer to God. And Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law before God. (NKJV)
Isn’t it interesting that when Moses and his father-in-law reunite, their stories of blessing center on God’s provision? It might have been easy for Moses to want his father-in-law’s approval and then try to take credit for his leadership success, but it seems both men knew better. While Jethro likely is proud of Moses for his obedience to God, they both celebrate God as the Victor and not Moses. Jethro’s sacrifice emphasizes this truth, and Israel’s key leaders are invited to join the act of worship. God alone deserves credit for the good things in our lives. Yes, we are to be commended for our obedience and faith, but those who trust in God should be the first to glorify Him for the good things in their lives. Be one of those people!
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
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