Some thoughts from this week’s reading:
In chapter 18 we read that Jethro (Moses’ father-in-law) came to Moses in the desert. During their time together, they discussed how things were being handled and verse 19 really stood out to me. Jethro is speaking to Moses and says, “Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you.”
The situation being addressed was for Moses to train up others to help spread out the workload. It was suggested that Moses: teach the decrees and laws; show how to live and perform duties; and select capable leaders who would have reverence for God, be trustworthy, and hate dishonest gain. We see that leaders were to be raised up and given authority, as well as to remain accountable to authority.
In verse 23, Jethro closes with, “If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.”
**What a great reminder that whether we seek advice or give advice, advice should always include God. It should line up with God’s ways and with His heart.
Chapter 19 is a scene revealing the mighty presence of God. It includes a loud trumpet blast, smoke, and a trembling mountain. The voice of God called Moses to the top of the mountain. The people were trembling. God was also setting limits, marking boundaries. The tangible reminder of God’s power and might.
**How grateful I am that in His power and might, He provided a way for us to come directly into His presence through His Son, Jesus. May we never take this for granted.
In chapters 20-23, we read the commandments and laws that were spoken to Moses. The rules and laws reveal God’s heart that cares deeply for His people. Again, a connection to the New Testament comes to mind. In chapter 12 of the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is asked which of the commandments is the most important.
Mark 12:29-31: “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “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 mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater that these.”
**I desire to make what is most important to Jesus, most important to me.
In chapter 23:20-33, we read that God had a new place prepared for His people. In that place would be other people who did not honor the Lord, but worshiped idols and false gods. God’s people were given a strong warning.
Exodus 23:24 “Do not bow down before their gods or worship them or follow their practices. You must demolish them and break their sacred stones to pieces.”
**This applies to us today. Are we willing to identify the things of our present culture that are not honoring to God? Are we willing to demolish the influence they have on us? Let’s seek God’s best for us!
Psalm 18: 1-3: “I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.”
Marge Woodson
