READ: Ex. 18:1–27: … 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 … So Moses heeded the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said …
Before reaching Mount Sinai, Jethro — Moses’ father-in-law — comes to visit, bringing Moses’ wife Zipporah and their two sons. Jethro is a pagan priest and Zipporah had previously been sent away by Moses, likely because of the incident in Ex. 4:24–26.
What is the relationship between Moses and Jethro? Despite his background, Jethro comes to Moses after hearing about God’s mighty deeds. Moses tells him more about all that God has done, and Jethro responds with wonder and joy.
He praises the LORD for delivering Moses and Israel from Pharaoh. The God of Moses has proven greater than all other gods (v.11). This is similar to the confessions of King Nebuchadnezzar and King Darius (Dan. 3:29; 4:34–37; 6:27–28). Jethro expresses his thankfulness by organizing a sacrificial feast, joined by Aaron and the elders.
The next day, Jethro observes Moses judging disputes all day long. Often, Moses must consult the LORD about difficult or unclear matters. (At this point, God’s laws had not yet been given and written down.) Jethro advises Moses to avoid burnout by delegating: let him only handle the major cases that require divine insight, and appoint trustworthy, God-fearing men to handle the rest.
Moses listens to Jethro’s advice and personally selects these men. Thus, even though Jethro is a pagan, God uses him for the benefit of His church.
Does God still use non-believers today for the good of His church?
Sing: Ps. 122:2,3