Dear brothers and sisters in the Lord,

In Exodus 18, the children of Israel had been delivered from bondage in Egypt upon the wonderful miracle of God’s parting the Red Sea so they could pass through on dry ground. God drowned Pharaoh’s army as the waters came back together. It was clear to Israel that God had done a mighty work and they joined Moses in singing praises to their powerful, benevolent God. They soon saw another miracle as God made the waters of Marah sweet. Next, God provided at Elim twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees for a camping place.

As they moved on, God gave manna from heaven and quails as further provision. At Rephidim, the people had no water and God produced water from a rock. As they camped at Rephidim, Amalek attacked with his forces, but God gave the victory. Israel had seen God’s deliverance from bondage, protection from Pharaoh’s army, provision of food and water, and then victory over the Amalekites. Clearly, God is both able and willing to care well for His people.

Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, heard about these events and came to visit Moses at the mountain of God. He was probably eager to hear for himself about these things.

Moses was glad to tell of all God had done. He rehearsed for Jethro the deliverance from Egypt and God’s provision in all the hardships they had endured. It is recorded for us that Jethro rejoiced for all the good that God had done and blessed the Lord. He stated that he knew that God was “greater than all the gods” and he offered sacrifices to God.

This occasion offers us both encouragement for our own hearts and impetus to follow Moses in proclaiming God’s favor. It is encouraging to review for ourselves what God has done for us. He has made the perfect sacrifice in the Lord Jesus and opened our eyes to see the truth. In doing so, He delivered us from the bondage to sin and gave us new life. He has made provision for us in so many ways with protection from enemies, provision of the necessities of life and an abundance of material possessions. He continues to work in our hearts day by day.

He also has given us opportunities, as Moses had, to share what He has done. Those around us might not be as eager as Jethro was, but if we review what God has done, hopefully, they will see that He is “greater than all their gods” and come to trust Him. Those who do will join us in offering a sacrifice of praise. May we be ready at all times to tell of His goodness.

Dale