Seeking Guidance
Scripture Reading — Exodus 18:9-26
Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said.
—Exodus 18:24
The book of Deuteronomy says there has never been another prophet like Moses (Deut. 34:10-12). Moses spent forty days on a mountain speaking with God. He spent so much time in God’s presence that his face began to glow (see Ex. 34:29-30).
You might think Moses received all his advice and the answers to all his questions directly from God, but that was not always true. In today’s verses we read that Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, gave Moses good advice for making his job more manageable. In this situation God didn’t tell Moses directly but used another person to bring this idea.
God regularly speaks to us through other people. Sometimes, he puts people in our lives who give us wise advice. At other times, he gives us people who set an excellent example of handling tense moments with grace. God has regularly chosen to work within communities.
We like the idea of being “self-sufficient.” We don’t want to need help from other people. But God calls us into a community of believers. We grow nearer to God as we enjoy fellowship with others. It is helpful to realize that God can speak to us, lead us, encourage us, and caution us when we make it a priority to develop relationships with other Christ-followers who are willing to speak the truth to us in love.
Holy Spirit, we praise you for the gift of fellowship. Work in me so that I may offer your insights to others and be ready to receive your wisdom as well. Amen.
About the author — Bill Sytsma
Bill Sytsma is a graduate of Calvin Theological Seminary (M.Div) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (D.Min). He is the author of the book Follow the Leader and is serving as the pastor of New Life Christian Reformed Church in Highland, Indiana. He and his wife, Staci, have hosted support groups for families built through adoption. He and Staci are the proud parents of three active boys: Luke, Isaac, and Nico.
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