Exodus 18-20

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Yitro - Jethro

Slavery had dictated their living conditions and daily routines but now the lives of the people had been dramatically altered. Freedom from taskmasters controlling their decisions and their work presented a whole new set of challenges for the children of Israel. In just a few short weeks they were embroiled in disputes with each other. Moses found himself addressing those disputes from morning until evening and instructing them how to get along. Jethro saw that Moses was burdened with handling these disputes and gave his son-in-law some fatherly advice. He counseled Moses to appoint other men to handle all the minor disputes and said that Moses should focus on teaching God’s laws and statutes and on making known the way in which they are to walk and the work they are to do. Slavery is a plight for all humankind. The apostle Paul addresses slavery in a spiritual context saying that we are slaves to the one we obey – either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness (Romans 5:15-23). Dear Father, thank You for Your Commandments that instruct us in the way of righteousness – in the way that we should walk. Thank You for Your Son who freed us from the clutches and penalty of sin. Thank You for Your Spirit to purify our hearts so that Your laws may be written in them. And thank You for bringing us out from the bondage of Sin and into a loving relationship with You.