Reading: Exodus 16-18, Matthew 20:17-21:11
I love the image of Moses and his father-in-law, Jethro, having a conversation when they re-connected in today’s Old Testament reading. I can just hear each man asking each other “how they had been” (Exo 18:7) – and then Moses launching into the stories of God’s leading His people out of Egypt. His stories, though, weren’t only the blessed and victorious times; they included “all the hardships that confronted them on the way, and how the Lord rescued them” (Exo 18:8). Moses thus did not ignore the hard times; he simply pointed out how God had graciously rescued His people no matter what they faced.
As a result, Jethro realized that the God of the Hebrews was more powerful than all other gods. Though scholars differ about what this confession meant for Jethro, it’s clear he learned something about the true God from the stories of His miraculous intervention and leading. It’s also clear he offered worship to the true God when he heard these truths.
Here’s what I’m thinking about today: I wonder how many people we know simply need to hear stories of God’s power and goodness to see Him for who He is. I wonder what would happen if we would more often start conversations with, “How are you doing? May I tell you what good things God has done for me?”
PRAYER: “Lord, help me not to miss opportunities to tell about Your goodness.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: Take at least one opportunity today to tell somebody something good God has done for you.
TOMORROW’S READING: Exodus 19:1-22:15, Matthew 21:12-46
