Scripture Reading: Exodus Chapter 2, 4:24-26, & 18 

Helpful lessons from the story of Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, when he visited Moses in the desert, near the Mountain of God.

1. Don’t forget your first responsibility while preoccupied with running after other missions. 

a. Don’t just do the latter without maintaining the former. Handle the first act of service God gave you, your household. 

b. As you continue on your godly militant mission, make certain your house is in order, less you find yourself in a middle of a war with them on your mind causing you to be disheartened and lose focus on the fight, endangering your fellow soldiers. (Deuteronomy 20: 2-9)

2. God is your Lord, your King, and your Master but He is also your friend and confidant, concerned for your well-being (Exodus 2:15-21).

a. Jethro, a Priest of Midian was first introduced to Moses as Reuel meaning in Hebrew, friend of God. 

b. There may come a time when you get inspired. But bear in mind that the initial flame will inevitably die down. 

c. A Jethro-like person sees the deeper and truer you, the you, you cannot see yourself. Like drawing from a deep well they have the ability to pull the deeper, more real and truer part of you out. 

 

3. Prepare your heart for the moments when God brings a Jethro-type person to tell you, “Not Good”; Lighten your Load (Exodus 18:17).

a. As servants of God waiting to hear “well done my good and faithful servant,” you should also prepare your heart for the moments when God brings a Jethro to tell you Not Good.  In fact, learn to accept the Not Good as you would the well done. Under the power of God both our significance. For the Not Good is prepping for the well done. 

b. God’s leadership qualities transcend time: capable GOD-FEARING, TRUSTWORTHY leaders that HATE DISHONEST GAINS. 

 

4. Like Moses, may you learn to listen and take action and endure the strain; the pressure you feel will be reduced and you and those you serve will experience renewed peace (Exodus 18:23-24).

a. We should be grateful, and not defensive when God sends someone into our lives to give us necessary correction for our own good and the good of others.

b. Keep in mind, inspiration without instructions is useless; if it’s not followed by a practical plan it will not last.

 

5. Finish what you started and Stand the Strain. 

a. Jethro in Hebrew means, “his addition” and also means “exceedingly abundantly.” The Holy Spirit comes to add enormous value to your life. 

b. Even if my inability to tip into the deepest part of my being is holding me back and I’m being limited by the confines of my own imagination?  God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us (Ephesians 3:20).

 

6. Ask the Lord how you can be more like Jethro, a solutionist and a strain reliever.

7. May you have ears to listen and take action, when God sends you a Jethro-like person to prepare you for His next big move.