There are times when I read Scripture and my heart is lifted up with possibility. 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. Jethro was delighted to hear about all the good things the Lord had done for Israel in rescuing them from the hand of the Egyptians. He said, “Praise be to the Lord, who rescued you from the hand of the Egyptians and Pharaoh, and who rescued the people from the hand of the Egyptians. Now I know that the Lord is greater than all other gods, for he did this to those who had treated Israel arrogantly.” Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and other sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses’ father-in-law in the presence of God. v. 9-12.

Can you imagine what that must have been like? The nations surrounding Egypt have heard of how the Lord brought an enslaved people out of Egypt and the devastation Egypt suffered because of their unbelief in the true God. Word spread! Now Jethro, a Midianite priest and father of Moses’s wife, grandfather to Moses’s sons, is rejoicing with Moses and Aaron and the elders of Israel and sharing a meal together in the presence of God. Whenever I am with people seeking God in earnest in conversation, there is a lifting of spirit and God is there. Can we bask in that love?

God’s love is manifested in so many ways big and small and nothing is insignificant. Jethro observes Moses trying to resolve every problem the people bring him. His suggestion to Moses? But select capable men from all the people – men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain – and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide for themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. If you do this and God so commands you, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied. v. 21-23.

Moses’s heavy load is shared just as is the sharing of the blessings of being together with God in conversation, in rejoicing, in meals and laughter together…in love. If you listen carefully you will hear God saying…love Me. It’s so very simple. Love God. He already loves you. Delight in the Lord! Love Him!