Jethro is a priest of a foreign religion but hears of what
God has done to Israel
and worships him (Exodus 20). The great promise to Abraham is being fulfilled
that God will use Israel
– these rather inconsistent, flaky people - to bless all nations. What impresses
him is what God has done and in particular the way he rescued Israel from slavery in Egypt . Once
again there is nothing abstract about faith – it is about God involved in the
nuts and bolts of everyday life. But more than anything it is about the God who
rescues and sets free.
At the same time he brings a little practical wisdom to Moses
in teaching him to delegate. Moses is a great leader who has risked everything
in responding to God’s call but, like many leaders, finds it difficult to
spread the load. There is something rather surprising about a story which shows
us both the grandeur of God’s plan for the world being fulfilled and yet the ordinariness
of the leader learning management skills.
For thought:
- In the big picture we see God’s reign spreading to all people. Who or what is God giving you a particular concern for?
- How can we best support people who are involved in leading us?
(Christ Church lay preacher)