Jethro: A Testimony that Speaks to the Nations

 

A Testimony that Speaks to the Nations

Text: Exodus 18:8–10

When Moses met with his father-in-law Jethro in the wilderness, the conversation quickly turned to the mighty acts of God. Exodus 18:8–10 tells us that Moses “told his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardship that had come upon them on the way, and how the LORD had delivered them.” And when Jethro heard this testimony, he blessed the Lord, saying, “Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods.”

Here is a beautiful truth: Jethro, a Midianite priest, did not learn about the true God from philosophical debate or clever argument. He learned about Him through the evidence of what God had done for His people. That was the witness that won his heart.

The Witness that Changed Jethro

Jethro had his own religious background and gods, but what Moses shared was different—it was personal and powerful.

1. It was personal – Moses didn’t speak of God in abstract terms. He recounted real events: the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, the provision in the wilderness. These were not myths; they were lived experiences.

2. It was purposeful – The stories were not random acts of power. They showed that God acts for His people—to save, protect, and provide for them.

3. It was persuasive – Jethro saw the superiority of Israel’s God because the testimony was undeniable. It matched what he saw in the people’s lives.

Why This Principle Holds True Today

The same way Jethro came to know the true God is how many still come to know Him today—not through theory first, but through the witness of God’s people.

1. God’s work is still visible – Every conversion, every answered prayer, every life transformed is a visible act of God that speaks louder than words.

2. Testimony builds faith – Revelation 12:11 says that God’s people overcome “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” Personal testimony has a God-given power to move hearts.

3. The world is hungry for evidence – In a skeptical age, people still respond to authenticity. When they see lives changed, marriages restored, addictions broken, joy in the midst of suffering—they see the living God at work.

The Witness of the Church to the World

If someone today were to “visit” our church like Jethro visited Moses, what testimony would they hear?

1. Do we speak of God’s mighty acts?

   • Not only from the Bible, but from our own lives: How He saved us, healed us, provided for us.

2. Do our actions match our words?

   • The early church in Acts 2 was known for love, generosity, and unity. The way we treat each other preaches a louder sermon than the one from the pulpit.

3. Do we reflect God’s character?

   • Our worship, fellowship, and outreach should tell the world that God is holy, loving, merciful, and just.

What We Say to the World About God

Whether we intend to or not, our church is always saying something to the world about who God is.

• If we are cold and divided, the world may think God is distant and uncaring.

• If we are loving and sacrificial, the world will see God’s love in action.

• If we stand for truth with grace, the world will see God’s justice and mercy together.

We are “living letters” (2 Corinthians 3:2–3), written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God. Every action, every word, every choice tells others something about Him.

For Us Today

Jethro came to believe in the true God because he heard and saw what God had done for His people. The same principle holds today: the world will believe when they see God’s reality in our lives.

So let us ask ourselves:

• What story is my life telling about God?

• What story is our church telling about God?

May we, like Moses, be ready to share what God has done, so that others—like Jethro—can say with confidence: “Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods.”

Jethro: Wise Praise and Wise Counsel

 

Wise Praise and Wise Counsel

Text: Exodus 18:1–27

Exodus 18 is a turning point in Israel’s history. They have been delivered from Egypt, crossed the Red Sea, seen God’s provision of food and water in the wilderness—and now, in this chapter, two crucial moments take place. First, Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, comes to visit and hears about the mighty acts of God. Second, Jethro gives Moses wise counsel that changes the way leadership is carried out among God’s people. In this chapter, we learn about praising God before others and humbly accepting godly advice.

Jethro Praises God for His Mighty Acts (Exodus 18:1–12)

When Jethro arrives, Moses tells him all that the Lord has done to Pharaoh and Egypt, and how God has delivered His people. Jethro’s reaction is immediate—he praises the Lord, saying, “Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods” (v. 11).

This is more than a polite acknowledgment; it’s a declaration of faith and recognition of God’s supremacy. It shows us something important: sharing what God has done is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to witness to others. Moses didn’t have to persuade Jethro with arguments—he simply told the story of God’s power and faithfulness.

For us, this means we should not underestimate the impact of telling others how God has worked in our lives. Your testimony might be the very thing that turns someone’s heart toward the Lord.

Jethro’s Wise Counsel to Moses (Exodus 18:13–23)

The next day, Jethro watches as Moses spends the entire day judging the people’s disputes. Moses is exhausted, and the people are waiting all day for their cases to be heard. Jethro speaks up and says, “What you are doing is not good… You will surely wear yourselves out” (vv. 17–18).

Jethro then suggests a better system: Moses should continue to teach the people God’s laws and handle the most difficult cases, but he should appoint capable, God-fearing men to judge the smaller matters. This was more than just good organizational advice—it was a critical moment in Israel’s development. It established a delegated system of leadership that allowed the nation to function more efficiently and reduced the burden on one person.

Moses Accepts the Counsel (Exodus 18:24–27)

The beauty of this passage is that Moses doesn’t let pride get in the way. He listens to Jethro and implements the plan. This shows humility and wisdom. Even though Moses was God’s chosen leader and prophet, he still recognized that good advice—even from a human source—was worth following when it aligned with God’s purposes.

For us, this is a reminder that we are not called to do everything ourselves. Whether in ministry, family, or work, God often provides help through the wisdom of others. Accepting that help is not a sign of weakness, but of maturity and trust in God’s provision.

Lessons for Us

Exodus 18 gives us two timeless lessons. First, never underestimate the power of sharing what God has done—it can lead others to praise Him. Second, be humble enough to receive wise counsel and not try to carry every burden alone.

Just as Moses witnessed to Jethro and then accepted Jethro’s advice, we too can bless others with our testimony and grow by listening to godly wisdom. In doing so, we strengthen not only our own walk with God but also the community around us.