Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Exodus

Exodus 
Day 
Day 142

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." James 1:22

Text: Exodus 18 : 24-27

RECOGNISING GOOD ADVICE

As Moses listened to Jethro, his father-in-law, he must have felt deep gratitude for the sound advice given to him. He was not so arrogant as to reject Jethro’s word of advice. He did not question the validity of his father-in-law’s suggestions! He knew that Jethro was right. We can well understand that Moses would have sought the Lord over the suggestions offered by Jethro!

ACTING ON GOOD ADVICE

Moses proved himself as a very good leader in the way he responded to Jethro’s advice.

“So Moses heeded the voice of his father-in-law
and did all that he had said. And Moses chose able men
out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people;
rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties,
and rulers of tens. So they judged the people at all times;
the hard cases they brought to Moses, but they judged
every small case themselves.
Then Moses let his father-in-law depart, and he went
his way to his own land.”
EXODUS 18:24-27

1. It is not every man who will listen to advice so readily

Moses was outstanding in this regard. He was able to lend a good listening ear to people. Along the way, he learned many valuable lessons that stood him in good stead!

2. It is not every man who will act on good advice promptly

Moses gratefully heeded the sound words of advice from Jethro! What does one do with good advice but to take heed and then implement the ideas!

3. Israel’s judicial system established!

Jethro’s advice constituted the earliest judicial system for the nation of Israel. Able men with the relevant qualifications (with special emphasis on “character”) were appointed to help care for the young nation!

4. Plans panned out well

Plans are but mere ideas! The big question is how things will work out, in the final analysis! Moses must have felt greatly gratified when all that Jethro suggested panned out well! The new leaders appointed must have felt great that they could contribute to the development and growth of their nation, Israel!

TIME TO SAY FAREWELL

Jethro had a good visit with Moses. He had returned Zipporah to Moses. He must have felt happy that Moses listened to his advice. It was now time to return home!