Reading 22 • October 5
Today's Scripture
Exodus 18:10–20
Jethro said, “Blessed be the Lord, who has delivered you from the Egyptians and from Pharaoh. Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods, because he delivered the people from the Egyptians, when they dealt arrogantly with them.” And Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God; and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law in the presence of God.
The next day Moses sat as judge for the people, while the people stood around him from morning until evening. When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, while all the people stand around you from morning until evening?” Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. When they have a dispute, they come to me and I decide between one person and another, and I make known to them the statutes and instructions of God.” Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. You will surely wear yourself out, both you and these people with you. For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone. Now listen to me. I will give you counsel, and God be with you! You should represent the people before God, and you should bring their cases before God; teach them the statutes and instructions and make known to them the way they are to go and the things they are to do. (NRSV)
Reflection
“Blessed be the Lord. … Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods.”
Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, praises God after hearing all that the Lord has done to deliver Israel from Egypt. His declaration “Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods” is a profound confession of faith. This moment reflects on God’s sovereignty and providence. God is Lord over all nations, working through history to redeem and liberate.
As we begin week 4 of the Bible in 100 Passages and reflect on the people wrestling with what it means to be holy, I’m struck by Jethro’s other wise counsel to Moses, urging him to delegate leadership rather than bear the burden alone.
Jethro’s counsel is at the heart of our belief in the priesthood of all believers. Presbyterians value ordered ministries through teaching elders, ruling elders, and deacons, because we believe that leadership in the church should be shared, discerning, and Spirit-led.
Jethro’s advice reminds us that discernment and accountability happen in community. We are not called to carry the weight of ministry alone. God provides wise counsel through the community of faith, echoing our belief that the Holy Spirit works not just through individuals but through the collective body of Christ.
Maybe, even today, we need to stop wrestling with what it means to be holy and make sure we, as a community of faith, turn to God and let the Spirit lead us.
Prayer
Blessed be the Lord, you are Lord of all! Teach us to trust in your wisdom. Help us to share the burdens of ministry with humility and grace, knowing that your spirit works through each of us. Guide our leaders with your wisdom, and fill us with a spirit of cooperation and peace. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Written by Marc Miller, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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