Then Moses told his father-in-law all that HaShem had done…and how HaShem had delivered them…and Jethro rejoiced for all the good that HaShem had done to Israel…Jethro said, “Blessed be HaShem, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of Pharaoh…Now I know that HaShem is greater than all gods…And Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God; and Aaron came with al the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law before God. (18:8-12)
So Moses listened to the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said. (18:24)
Moses’ father-in-law came bringing Moses’ wife and sons, whom apparently had been sent back to him at some point. When Jethro heard of all that HaShem had done, he acknowledged Him as greater than all gods and sacrificed to Him.
The next day, when Jethro saw Moses’ being worn out by the multitudes of people that came to inquire of HaShem, he gave him some very specific, practical, advice. And Moses listened to him.
We don’t know where Jethro was at with God – he saw that HaShem was greater than all the gods, even though he was “the priest of Midian.” But Moses saw that his advice was good, and humbly heeded it.
Moses was the God-ordained leader of this people – he was in charge of millions of people, yet he was humble enough to take the advice of his father-in-law.
Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
reprove a wise man and he will love you.
Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser;
teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning (Proverbs 9:8-9)
God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6)
While many of us think we know best, it is important to have the humility to listen to others, weigh what they say before God (discern), and benefit from others’ wisdom.
When we first moved to Ottawa, Alan had thoughts of a teaching ministry that would have him travelling a lot. He shared this with an elder, who told him that he had too many young children to be doing that. Alan humbly received that (to our family’s benefit).
Our posture should be humble, but discerning. There is no guarantee that just because someone older gives advice, that it is from God, but it is wise to bring it to the Lord for consideration.
Prayer: Thank You, God that I can seek out the wisdom of others, or that sometimes people initiate speaking into my life. Help me to be humble enough to prayerfully consider what they say, and to humbly bring it to you. Not the least of which if it is coming from my spouse. Amen.
