11.13.07 -- RE:ading: Exodus 18:1-27

RE:flect

This is one of my favorite chapters of the Bible. I use to think of it through leadership eyes—at how wise Jethro was. But after working at Valley for 18 months now, it means a totally different thing to me. I set aside the wise advice about delegation and teamwork for a while and look at this older man coming to meet his son-in-law…WITH HIS FAMILY!

Jethro had wisdom, but his motivation to come to see Moses was to deliver his wife and sons back to Moses. And, a father-in-law (as I know first hand) is concerned with the treatment of his daughter and grandchildren. He is helping his Son-in-Law have time to be a good husband and father as much as he is helping the nation of Israel.

RE:act

Do you have Jethro’s in your life? Are you a Jethro? Have you ever had someone who loves you put you aside and tell you that your focus, priorities, or your efforts are out of control? I had this happen to me at camp this last year. A close friend asked me what is greater… 50 solid Christian teens in a youth group… or a solid marriage. I was reminded that God first has called Josh to be a husband, and then to pick up my role as a minister in the Church of Christ. Both can happen, but they have to be in the right order!

So, how about you? Is there someone you need to talk to—priorities messed up? Do you need to come alone side and listen to what they are accomplishing, celebrate with them, and then tell them that they need to change their priorities?

I am not going to tug at your heart today, the Holy Spirit can do that. My advice: Just Do It!

RE:ply

Lord, I thank you for the times when older, wiser adults have helped me in my life.
Lord, I would like to also be used in that same way for friends and others. Please lead my steps so that I can be the one to bring words of life into peoples life.
Lord, help me to also see those who are trying to earn your love, your salvation, in my own church and the help them accept your grace and live that way.
Father, you are good. What you wish to do to and through me is beautiful. Make me beautiful in your eyes.

“The most important one…is this ‘ Hear O Israel the Lord our God the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mid and with all your strength. The second is this: love your neighbor as yourself. There is no command greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-31)