📖 ✝️ Scripture Reading – Exodus 18:1–6 (NIV)
“Now Jethro, the priest of Midian and father-in-law of Moses, heard of everything God had done for Moses and for his people Israel, and how the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt.”
Exodus 18:1 NIV
“God’s wisdom often reaches us through relationships shaped long before our calling is revealed.”
— Dallas Willard
🎬🔛 Susanna Wesley, the mother of revival leader John Wesley, played a decisive role in shaping his spiritual life. Though John would later lead a massive movement that transformed England, his character, discipline, and theology were deeply formed at home. Susanna instructed her children in Scripture, prayer, and accountability, often writing letters that corrected and encouraged John during moments of spiritual struggle.
Like Jethro to Moses, Susanna Wesley was not in the spotlight—but her faithful counsel strengthened a servant whose ministry shaped generations.
Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susanna_Wesley
💒 🕊️ ✨The opening of Exodus 18 draws our attention away from miracles and battles to something deeply personal. Jethro, the priest of Midian and Moses’ father-in-law, hears of all that God has done for Moses and for Israel. God’s mighty acts were not hidden; His work had become known among surrounding peoples—especially to those who cared deeply for Moses.
Jethro was not merely a pagan priest. As a descendant of Midian, one of Abraham’s sons through Keturah (Genesis 25:1–2), Jethro likely worshipped the true God of Abraham. This explains his spiritual insight, discernment, and reverence for the LORD. His role as priest reflects a genuine knowledge of God rather than distant curiosity.
At this moment, Moses is reunited with his wife Zipporah and his two sons, Gershom and Eliezer. Scripture implies that Moses had sent his family back to Midian earlier—possibly during the dangerous period of the Egyptian plagues—entrusting them to Jethro’s care. Now, after deliverance, God restores Moses’ family to him.
The names of Moses’ sons reflect his spiritual journey.
• Gershom means “a foreigner there,” reminding Moses of his years of exile and dependence on God.
• Eliezer means “My God is help,” declaring that God delivered Moses from Pharaoh’s sword.
This reunion highlights Moses’ deep and respectful relationship with Jethro. Though Moses had been trained in all the wisdom of Egypt, it was likely under Jethro—the priest and shepherd—that Moses learned the essentials of true leadership: humility, patience, responsibility, and care for people. For forty years, Moses tended sheep under Jethro’s guidance before God called him at Sinai to shepherd a nation.
🤔 🪞 💡This passage reminds us that God often shapes His leaders long before they stand in public roles. Jethro represents the quiet, faithful influence God uses to prepare His servants. His faith heritage, connection to Abraham, and reverence for God positioned him as a wise spiritual guide, even though he was outside Israel’s covenant community.
Moses’ story teaches us that education, position, and talent are not enough. Leadership is formed in hidden seasons—through ordinary work, faithful relationships, and humble learning. God did not discard Moses’ past as a shepherd; He used it. The restoration of Moses’ family also reveals that God cares not only about public ministry but about personal wholeness.
The God who delivers His people also restores His servants through community, counsel, and remembrance.
⚒️🎯We learn to value the people God places around us to shape our faith, even when they work quietly behind the scenes. We recognize that seasons of waiting, exile, or obscurity are often God’s classrooms, preparing us for greater responsibility. We honor family and spiritual mentors as gifts from God, remembering that leadership is sustained through humility and godly counsel. We allow our past struggles to become testimonies of God’s help, trusting that the same God who delivered us will continue to guide us forward.
🙏 🕯️Prayer: Lord, thank You for the faithful people You place in our lives to shape and guide us. Teach us humility to receive wisdom, gratitude to honor relationships, and faith to trust You in every season. Amen.
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