Burunche’s Blog

Exodus 20:14 “You shall not commit adultery.

Thecommandment against adultery is the second of the “Neighbor” commandments. When you consider the Ten Commandments, first, God orders His people to respect Him, then to respect and care for their parents, and themselves in the process, and now to care for those around them. Why? What’s the point? God knows that the only way we will have true peace is by caring for those around us.

Adultery is defined as sex between a married person and a person who is not their spouse, without the spouse’s knowledge or consent. Adultery has existed as long as the human race has been around; however, this does not make it either just nor right. If we are truly regarding our spouse as a neighbor, we must remember the verses the religious lawyer quoted to Jesus: Deuteronomy 6:5 (“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.”) and Leviticus 19:18 (“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”) To quote a Godspeaks.com billboard that has appeared in many cities, “THAT “LOVE THY NEIGHBOR” THING…I MEANT THAT. – GOD.”

One of the fallacies underlying adultery is the assumption that somehow, one’s spouse is not one’s neighbor and therefore deserves less consideration; in effect, one’s spouse is not respected as a person with emotions or feelings that might be hurt. And what about any children in an affected family? Are the children not also neighbors? Adulterers presume that they can behave as they like without any consequences to themselves or anybody else. There is never an action taken by one individual that does not cause ripple effects throughout a community. The choice by one individual to be unfaithful can encourage others to become equally treacherous. An unfaithful father or mother can cause children to view vows taken before God as dispensable, leading to generations of broken marriages. Children need both parents, and even when a hero parent such as a single mother or father steps in to cover both roles, those children may still develop with emotional hollow spots that should have been filled by an erring parent who chose to leave rather than stay and do the hard work.

Why do people commit adultery? A brief AI search reveals the following:
People commit adultery for various reasons, often influenced by emotional, psychological, and situational factors.

Common Reasons for Adultery

• Dissatisfaction in the Relationship: Many individuals seek emotional or physical fulfillment outside their primary relationship when they feel neglected or unfulfilled.
• Desire for Novelty: The excitement of a new relationship can be appealing, leading some to cheat for the thrill.
• Opportunity: Situational factors, such as being in environments where temptation is prevalent, can increase the likelihood of infidelity.
• Emotional Disconnect: A lack of emotional intimacy with a partner may drive individuals to seek connection elsewhere.
• Justifications and Rationalizations: Many who cheat often convince themselves that their actions are justified, despite knowing they are wrong.

Reading this list, one might begin demanding answers to some pointed questions. For example, you are dissatisfied with your relationship, but how satisfied is your spouse? Have you truly been trying to keep the relationship fresh or have you been coasting, waiting for the thrill to leave so you can run off in another direction? Have you become a marital adrenaline junky, depending on the thrills of new relationships to make yourself feel good? Have you tried to “avoid the appearance of evil,” shunning situations in which you would be tempted, or have you sought out opportunities for temptation. You might pray “Lead us not into temptation,” but are you running after temptation yourself? Don’t blame God when you are the problem! If you feel emotionally disconnected with your spouse, have you actively studied your spouse, asking God to show you new ways to establish connections, or are you pulling even further away and then blaming your spouse? Are you engaging in “stinking thinking,” actively searching for justifications for unfaithfulness?

Successful marriages take a great deal of work, much of it quite mundane. Remember Ruth Bell Graham’s comment when someone asked if she had ever considered leaving Billy Graham. Ruth replied, “Leave? No! Murder-several times!” And yet the Grahams had a highly successful marriage and raised fine children who have blessed the world as well. Small compliments, repeated acts of kindness, a willingness to refrain from criticism, and an equal willingness to be sensitive to the other person’s moods and needs-all these things require thought and an investment of energy, energy that can only come from God. The pressures can mount even more as spouses age and develop major medical problems. Caring for an ailing spouse requires a special dispensation of grace, strength, and courage-gifts only God can bestow. Assuming that you can maintain your marriage on your own without any input from God is a sure route to disaster.

The operative word “cheat” is very important. Adultery is a fundamental betrayal of one’s spouse, no matter the reason. At the same time, when children are involved, adultery equally betrays those children, for adultery threatens family stability. The trust in a parent that children have cherished is destroyed, leaving children feeling abandoned. Sadly, adultery generally leads to divorce, and four out of five times, mothers wind up with custody of the children. But what about child support? Approximately 44.1% of custodial parents receive any child support, and only 10.4% receive the full amount owed. This indicates that while many fathers are obligated to pay child support, a significant portion do not meet their obligations fully. Specifically, studies show that 32% of fathers fail to receive payments from mothers, while 25% of mothers are awaiting payments from fathers.

What did Jesus teach about adultery? Matthew 5:27 “You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your hand—even your stronger hand—causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

Basically, Jesus is teaching that anything that causes you to even consider adultery should be repudiated as swiftly as possible. Whether we choose to remember or not, we are still operating while a holy and righteous God, the Source of all wisdom and truth, watches. God knows our hearts better than we do; there is no way we can possibly fool God, even if we do manage to fool ourselves.

In the end, adultery is never a private matter. Adulterers sin against their spouses, their children, their other family members, their communities, themselves, and most importantly, God Almighty. May God help us to remain faithful to Him and to all those neighbors around us!

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and caring for us. Lord, help us to remain faithful to our spouses and our families, even when the pressure seems more than we can bear. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Exodus 20:13 “You shall not murder.

14 “You shall not commit adultery.

15 “You shall not steal.

16 “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

These commandments are the ones I think of as the “Neighbor Commandments.” First, God orders His people to respect Him, then to respect and care for their parents, and themselves in the process, and now to care for those around them. Why? What’s the point?

One day, religious experts were questioning Jesus on this point. Luke tells the story as follows: Luke 10: 25 One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”

26 Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?”

27 The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”  

Here the religious expert, this lawyer, is proud as he quotes Deuteronomy 6:5 (“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.”) and Leviticus 19:18 (“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”) Surely, Jesus will be impressed that this man can rattle off these scriptures without drawing a breath. After all, Jesus’ question is one that boys in temple school study early on. Now the lawyer waits for Jesus’ approval and receives it.

28 “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!” The lawyer preens just a little, for he has just proven to himself that he can handle this Galilean upstart. But he can’t let the matter go. 29 The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

Oh dear! By asking this question, this lawyer is really opening a can of worms. Does this man sincerely want an answer, or is he trying to corner Jesus, hoping that Jesus will not be able to respond appropriately? After all, in this society, there are all kinds of people-Romans, Jews of various descriptions, Greek and Arab traders, and travelers from places nobody has ever heard of. Those Jews who wish to remain clean ritualistically limit contact with such people as much as possible. As a religious expert, this man likely spends most of his days on the temple steps teaching and arguing minute points of religious law with other like-minded men. Unfortunately, this morning he has chosen to confront the wrong guy.

Parable of the Good Samaritan

30 Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.

31 “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. 32 A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.

33 “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. 34 Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. 35 The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’

36 “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked.

37 The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”

Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”

Luke doesn’t record the response of the religious expert to Jesus’ poignant story; however, it’s likely that he gathers his robes around him, adjusts his headdress so everything is correct, and quietly leaves while those at the rear of the crowd snicker at him behind their hands. Is Jesus describing a real event here? Quite likely. While Jerusalem is a city, gossip spreads swiftly, and juicy stories about prominent religious figures spread like wildfire. Perhaps Jesus is describing something that has actually happened. And what if this religious expert was one of those who passed the injured man by? The longer we consider such possibilities, the more fascinating the story of the kind Samaritan becomes. Now let’s examine those commandments.

Exodus 20:13 Murder: The Bible explicitly states that the shedding of innocent blood brings curses on a land. This concept is highlighted in several passages:

• Deuteronomy 19:10-13 warns against shedding innocent blood, indicating that such actions bring guilt upon the land: “lest innocent blood be shed in the midst of your land… and thus guilt of bloodshed be upon you”.
• Jeremiah 26:15 emphasizes personal guilt and divine accountability for those who harm the innocent, stating that it brings innocent blood upon themselves.
• Proverbs 28:17 notes that shedding innocent blood always brings guilt, which demands justice, further reinforcing the idea that such actions have serious consequences.

These verses collectively illustrate the biblical perspective that the act of shedding innocent blood not only incurs guilt but also curses the land itself, calling for justice and accountability.

(AI Internet search)

How much guilt do murderers feel? Murderers’ feelings of guilt vary significantly based on several factors.

• Motivation and Circumstances: The reasons behind the murder play a crucial role. Some may feel intense remorse, especially if the act was impulsive or driven by emotional turmoil, while others may rationalize their actions or feel little to no guilt.
• Psychological Profile: Non-psychopathic offenders often exhibit measurable guilt responses, experiencing symptoms like PTSD and deep remorse. In contrast, psychopathic murderers typically show minimal emotional responses and may lack empathy.
• Neuroscience Insights: Research indicates that brain activity can influence feelings of guilt. Some individuals may kill without experiencing guilt due to neurological factors.

Overall, the emotional aftermath of murder is complex and varies widely among individuals, influenced by psychological, situational, and neurological factors.

But there are two ways to look at guilt. There are feelings of guilt after sinning, but there is also the guilt in God’s eyes that results from sinning. When Cain killed Abel, God confronted Cain. Genesis 4:10 “But the Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground! 11 Now you are cursed and banished from the ground, which has swallowed your brother’s blood. 12 No longer will the ground yield good crops for you, no matter how hard you work! From now on you will be a homeless wanderer on the earth.”

Even if a murderer feels no remorse, the curses attached to such a heinous act will follow him anyway, depriving him of all peace. The longer a murderer goes on without repenting, the more vividly the act will play in his mind. Yes, such a person can become so hard-hearted that arguments appear to have no effect; however, God can still penetrate the stoniest heart.

What about thoughts of murder? What if you never actually commit a murder but you obsess about doing so? Jesus taught that even thinking about murder is wrong. Matthew 5:21 “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ 22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.

23 “So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, 24 leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.”

Jesus doesn’t leave us any wiggle room. Even considering harming someone or cursing them brings guilt. What can we do about our guilt? Confess our sinful acts to God and beg His forgiveness. Then we will be free and then we will have peace.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and caring for us. Lord, we confess that we have sinned by what we have said, what we have done, and even what we have thought. Please forgive us and help us so that we completely turn away from saying and thinking such things. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Exodus 20: 12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”

Reading the Ten Commandments and realizing God wants us to keep them to have peace can be very painful. While some parents are wonderful, wise, loving, and encouraging, there are others who are not. Sone parents are abusive, physically, mentally, or emotionally; however, other parents are incredibly selfish, expecting their children to take care of them, rather than their caring for their children. Some parents favor one child over another, withholding affection and help. Some parents choose one child to become a pseudo-parent to whom they can delegate their responsibilities. Some parents take advantage of their children while lying about them in the community. The list of problem parents is long and exhaustive, but the quandary is the same no matter the kind of parent involved: how do you honor a parent who does not behave honorably? Do such parents deserve honor?

There’s something interesting about this commandment, for it doesn’t have any provisos; it doesn’t give anyone a free pass if the parent in question behaves badly. God expects us to honor our parents, period. OUCH! We are to honor our parents, no matter how they behave. How can we give honor to someone who behaves dishonorably?

We should understand what honoring a parent does not mean. If you have an abusive parent of a parent who has treated you badly, you do not have to expose yourself so they can continue to abuse you, particularly if you might endanger yourself by doing so. You have a right to honor yourself as well as your parents, and self-preservation is still allowable. If the parent in question is verbally abusive or manipulative, you can maintain phone contact without getting close enough for them to reach you. You are not obligated to hand over sensitive financial information that will cause someone to bankrupt you or spoil your good name. Be very careful about allowing a manipulative parent to move in with you, for some families have found the manipulator trying to take over the household, draining the family finances.

You should do what you can to help your parent without shortchanging your own children. Favoring your parents over your children will only lead to generational abuse. If your parent truly needs help that you cannot afford to give, you can do everything possible to connect them with groups that can address those needs. You can encourage a drug addict or alcoholic to become involved with twelve step groups that can help them. You can make food bank runs if necessary. Explore any resources available in your parent’s vicinity.  

Above all else, pray for your parents, asking God to bless them and to lead them into a close relationship with Him. The biggest blessing anyone can have is to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Never give up praying, for God can do far more than any of us can possibly imagine.

Years ago, I was working in a VA hospital on a surgery service. One of our most difficult patients was J. M., a diabetic with a severe infection in the sole of his foot. I was the one tasked with cleaning the dead tissue from that wound each morning, and my work was made worse by the patient cursing me while I was working. I continued to pray for God to bless J.M., and one Sunday, I was shocked and thrilled when he requested to attend the church service in the hospital. Eventually, I rotated onto another service and I never learned what happened with J.M.; however, that experience taught me that nobody is beyond the reach of God.

There are two parts to this commandment, and many times we ignore the second part. We are to honor our parents so that we may live long in the land the Lord our God gives us. Whether we like it or not, we bear our parents’ DNA. When we honor our parents, we are also honoring ourselves. When we fail to honor our parents or even curse our parents, we are bringing curses on ourselves, shortening our lives in the process. When we seek God’s guidance, He can direct us so that we can honor our parents without sacrificing our families and live long and happy lives.

May God help us so that we will find ways of honoring our parents, blessing them and leading them to Him.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and caring for us. Lord, help us to honor our parents, even when they are difficult or dangerous. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

7 “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.”

Ancient Egyptians did swear by their gods, but with caution. Swearing was often seen as a serious act, typically reserved for legal contexts or formal occasions. The pharaoh, regarded as divine, was central to this practice, and swearing by his name was generally restricted to high officials. Ordinary Egyptians faced risks when invoking divine names in oaths, as it could be considered dangerous or disrespectful.

In their religious practices, the Egyptians believed that swearing by a god’s name could invoke divine favor or protection, but it also required a level of reverence and responsibility. (AI Internet search results)

For the Israelites coming out of Egypt, being careful with the name of God would have been normal. Ironically, we, on the other hand, misuse God’s name casually, even using OMG as an exclamation in text messages. Spoiler alert: God has not suspended His warning about misusing His name. Ask God to help you so that as soon as you accidentally say “Oh my God” or something similar, you confess, repent, and stop doing it. Want more peace? Be careful with God’s name.

8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

I am old enough to remember when Sabbath restrictions still applied. Only necessary services were open on Sundays, and most stores remained closed. These days, Sundays are disregarded, and many groups schedule things on Sundays, assuming that nobody will attend church. On the other hand, there are those who are rediscovering the need for Sabbath rest and writing about it.

In an article entitled “5 Reasons You Need Sabbath Rest,” Megan Hill defends the need for regular weekly Sabbaths. (https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/need-sabbath-rest/)

1. Sabbath rest reorients our time.

As tempting as it might be to believe we’re masters of our time, carefully manipulating a complex puzzle of Google Calendar entries, we aren’t. God is the One who created time, who set us in it and bound us by it, and God is the One who rightfully directs us how to use it. When we submit to his pattern of six days for work and one for worship, we acknowledge that God is the Lord of time.

The Lord invites us to set aside ordinary things and experience the blessing of spiritual things.

 

The disruption of Sabbath rest is a chance to remember that even our schedules are under the Lord’s authority. Once a week, the Lord breaks into our routine and reminds us that our appointments and plans aren’t ultimate, nor are they prioritized according to our desires. When the first day of every week belongs wholly to him, it reorients every minute of every day that follows.

2. Sabbath rest reorients our work.

I love a to-do list. I’ve been known to complete a task and then add it to my to-do list merely for the pleasure of crossing it off immediately. I measure the success of each day by how many items have a dark slash through them. Phone meeting? Done. Pick up prescriptions? Done. Order groceries? Done. Submit project? Done. Satisfied by my labors, I go to bed happy.

Except on Sundays. On Sunday nights, I have to reckon with the fact that I accomplished very little. I didn’t clock in to my job or run any errands. I have less money in my bank account, having left some in the offering plate. I’ve completed no assignments that I can cross off my list and congratulate myself with. But guess what? I had food in my stomach and breath in my lungs; the sun continued to shine, and the earth continued to turn. I did nothing, and the Lord did everything.

We’re often tempted to think our effort is what keeps us afloat, but Sabbath rest reminds us that it’s the Lord who gives us daily bread, who provides our clothing, and who supplies a place for us to live (Matt. 6:11, 25–30).

Even more importantly, Sabbath rest reminds us that we don’t secure any spiritual blessing by our own hands—including our salvation (Heb. 4:1–13). On the cross, Christ did everything, and we did nothing. We begin every week not with labor but with rest, remembering that Christ has already worked for us.

3. Sabbath rest reorients our allegiances.

Most of us interact with hundreds of people in a given week. We exchange smiles with the mail carrier and texts with a best friend from elementary school. We spend time with classmates, coworkers, neighbors, family members, and acquaintances at the gym. Sabbath rest, however, clarifies whom we’re most significantly connected to: the members of Christ’s family.

Throughout the week, we make time in our schedules for people who matter to us, but on the Lord’s Day, God makes time in our schedules for the people who matter to him. When we gather with the church, we gather with those for whom Christ died.

They may not be the people we’d choose for ourselves, but they’re the people God has chosen for us. They’re the people Scripture calls us to love (John 13:34), greet (Rom. 16:16), know (3 John 15), pray for (James 5:16), serve (Gal. 5:13), forgive (Col. 3:13), and show hospitality toward (Rom. 12:13). Like me, you probably struggle to do these things in your busy week, but on one whole day, we have the opportunity to live out our commitment to God’s people in the church.

4. Sabbath rest reorients our priorities.

I live in the most secular metropolitan area in America. On Sunday morning, I pass neighbors mowing their lawns or on their morning runs. Some are loading up their cars with chairs and umbrellas for the beach; others are organizing the supplies for a home-improvement project. I’ve never seen my neighbors headed to church.

Their Sunday practices testify to what’s important to them: a nice home, a healthy body, time with family. There’s nothing wrong with any of those, but none is the most important thing.

Puritan pastor David Clarkson writes, “The most wonderful things that are now done on earth are wrought in the public ordinances, though the commonness and spiritualness of them makes them seem less wonderful.”

In other words, what goes on in your church on Sunday may not look like much, but it’s the most significant thing happening anywhere in the world. When God’s people gather for worship, the Lord promises his presence (Matt. 18:20), proclaims his Word (1 Thess. 2:13), receives our prayers and praises (Rev. 5:8), makes us holy (Eph. 5:25–27), converts sinners (Rom. 10:14), and seals us to himself in baptism and the Lord’s Supper (6:4; 1 Cor. 11:24).

Seen through the lens of Scripture, church worship is the pinnacle of every week. Truly, “a day in [the Lord’s] courts is better than a thousand elsewhere” (Ps. 84:10).

5. Sabbath rest reorients our pilgrimage.

For several years, I used a planner that had space every month and again every quarter to list big-picture goals for the upcoming weeks. Without those prompts, one day’s to-do list rolled into the next. The blank pages functioned as opportunities to stop and consider where I’d been and where I was headed.

We begin every week not with labor but with rest, remembering that Christ has already worked for us.

 

Similarly, Sabbath rest is a regular nudge for Christian pilgrims: Stop here and orient yourself. Reflect on your journey. Set your heart on your goal. One day a week, we have a chance to take stock of where we’ve been. Where have I experienced the Spirit’s work? Where have I seen answered prayer? Where have I stumbled into Satan’s traps? Where have I grown in grace?

Although we can (and should!) ask these questions as we go through the week, Sabbath rest frees us to step back and consider the big picture. Like Samuel’s Ebenezer stone, it prompts us to remember: “Thus far the LORD has helped us” (1 Sam. 7:12, NKJV).

Then it turns our hearts toward the future. God created us for a greater end than endlessly repeating monotonous tasks. Our earthly work is under a limited contract, and the pause of Sabbath rest reorients us toward that final day when we’ll rest from all our labors (Rev. 14:13). Weekly, we stop to consider where we’ve been, and then, refreshed, we again set out toward that holy city where Christ is.

May God help us to honor Him with our speech and with our observations of the Sabbath. And may we find peace as we do so.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and caring for us. Lord, help us to honor You in our speech and in the way we schedule our time, keeping Your Sabbaths.  In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Exodus 20: 4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

Listening, the Israelites are likely shocked! “What’s wrong with idols?” they think. An internet search tells us: Ancient Egyptians worshipped a vast number of deities, with estimates ranging from several hundred to over 2,000 idols. This polytheistic belief system included gods and goddesses who represented various aspects of life, nature, and the cosmos. The exact number is difficult to determine due to the evolving nature of their religious practices and the many local variations in worship.

Not only are the Israelites used to the Egyptian pantheon of gods and goddesses, but they undoubtedly have all kinds of gold and silver shrines, amulets, idols, and jewelry their terrified Egyptian neighbors have given them as they have fled Egypt. Many Israelites are probably still worshiping some of the Egyptian gods, figuring “Why not? What’s wrong with a little extra protection?” Problem is, these folks don’t realize they are paying homage to demons, and demons never bring peace, only confusion and despair.

5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

Of course, this statement is true, but why does God connect idol worship with ancestral curses going on for generations? Children copy their parents. When parents worship idols, they naturally dedicate their children to those same idols, with terrible consequences. Once so dedicated, those children will have to repeatedly struggle to gain their freedom. While there is more power in one drop of the Blood of Jesus than in all the forces of hell, such spiritual battles must be fought persistently. Those children will never know peace until they have been freed from the curses brought on by idol worship.

We knew a man in Ghana whose name meant “second.” While this man appeared to be a harmless charming businessman, he was actually a fetish worshiper involved in a very evil cult. We were forced to live on the ground floor of his house for several months. At around 2 AM, we would feel an evil presence descending through our ceiling from this man’s rooms. We would have to get up, pray, and play praise music about the blood of Jesus to drive away the evil. Eventually, we learned that this man’s mother had wanted a second son, so she had promised the fetish priest that if the fetish would grant her a son, she would dedicate that boy to the fetish from the womb. This man was our landlord, and the poor fellow had been dedicated to demons before his birth. Incidentally, the demons would only manifest themselves at certain times; fellow missionaries refused to believe our stories about this man, assuming that he was sweet and innocent.

We have another Ghanaian friend whose family name was that of a traditional fetish. This man was from a royal family, indicating that his ancestors were traditional chiefs. Chieftaincy requires those becoming chiefs to swear loyalty to a variety of fetishes. Despite this evil heritage, our friend is a vibrant Christian, a pastor, and the founder of a Christian school that has educated thousands of children for twenty-six years. This friend’s story demonstrates that freedom in Christ is possible. This man’s family and his students are blessed by his dedication to Jesus Christ.

God makes His truth clear: worship Him and bless your family for a thousand generations. Refuse to worship Him and bring curses on those same descendants.

Now those Israelites are standing in a crowd, listening to the Word of God that Moses has brought to them. Too bad, many of them are already modifying it or rejecting it mentally, assuming that what they learned back in Egypt is going to get them through.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and caring for us. Lord, help us to worship You only, truly and whole-heartedly, having no other gods before You, for then we shall have peace. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Exodus 20 The Ten Commandments

1 And God spoke all these words:

2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

3 “You shall have no other gods before me.

Remember that God is speaking to people who have left the land of Egypt but who are still committed to Egyptian deities and Egyptian customs. God knows that these people have a long way to go before they are going to actually obey Him. The first thing God must do is to lay out the foundations for a belief system anchored on Him rather than a variety of deities representing the sun, animals, reptiles, insects, and birds. When God says “You shall have no other gods before me,” He means for the Israelites to discard every deity they have been worshiping in any form. The Israelites must rid themselves of amulets, charms, jewelry depicting Egyptian gods and goddesses, as well as all the routine practices of the Egyptians.

What kind of a belief system are the Israelites practicing as they leave Egypt? An internet search reveals the following: Ancient Egyptians practiced specific habits to avoid offending their deities. These habits were deeply rooted in their religious beliefs and moral principles, particularly the Laws of Maat, which emphasized truth, balance, and order.

Key Practices:

• Negative Confessions: Individuals recited a list of sins they had not committed, demonstrating their innocence and purity before the gods and judges of the underworld.
• Ritual Purity: Maintaining cleanliness through regular bathing and wearing clean clothes was essential, as physical purity was believed to reflect spiritual purity.
• Offerings and Prayers: Regular offerings of food, drink, and incense were made to deities to gain favor and avoid their wrath.
• Adherence to Maat: Living in accordance with the principles of Maat, which included honesty, justice, and respect for others, was crucial for maintaining harmony with the divine.

These practices were integral to daily life and were believed to ensure a favorable afterlife and protection from divine retribution.

The ancient Egyptians believed in an afterlife and that their actions in this life would determine their fate in the next. Sins were understood as thoughts and actions contrary to the value of ‘ma’at’ or harmony. The worst of these sins was covetousness, as it expressed ingratitude for the gifts one had been given and illicit desire for the gifts of another. Two other major sins were the worship of false gods and sexual immorality.

Characteristics	Values
Sins against gods	Blasphemy, stealing god’s offerings, adding to the weight of the balance
Sins against society	Robbery with violence, stealing, purloining offerings, adultery, covetousness, lying, deceit, eavesdropping, slandering, anger without just cause, debauchery, causing pain, causing tears
Sins against self	Polluting oneself

Let’s explore each of the 42 Laws of Maat, which offer a profound insight into the ethical consciousness of the ancient Egyptians: 1. I have not committed sin – A general statement affirming one’s adherence to ethical principles and avoidance of harmful behaviors. 2. I have not committed robbery with violence – Condemns both theft and the use of force, emphasizing peaceful coexistence and respect for others. 3. I have not stolen – This law speaks to the respect for others’ property, a crucial element of social trust. 4. I have not slain men or women – Killing, as a violation of the sanctity of life, was strictly against the principle of Maat. 5. I have not stolen food – Taking food, a basic necessity, was considered an affront to community well-being. 6. I have not swindled offerings – Religious offerings were sacred, and cheating in religious duties was seen as a grave violation of order. 7. I have not stolen from God/Goddess – Taking what was meant for the gods disturbed the sacred balance and was viewed as a serious offense. 8. I have not told lies – Truthfulness was paramount in maintaining social and cosmic harmony. 9. I have not carried away food – This law emphasizes fairness and the importance of not depriving others of their sustenance. 10. I have not cursed – Avoiding foul or harmful language helped to preserve peaceful and respectful interactions. 11. I have not closed my ears to truth – Ignoring or denying the truth disrupts personal integrity and the balance of society. 12. I have not committed adultery – Faithfulness in marriage was valued, as it preserved family stability and social trust. 13. I have not made anyone cry – Causing unnecessary emotional distress to others was seen as a violation of compassion and kindness. 14. I have not felt sorrow without reason – Emotional self-regulation was considered a virtue, with unnecessary sorrow indicating a lack of balance.

15. I have not assaulted anyone – Physical violence was discouraged, as it disrupted social peace and order. 16. I am not deceitful – Deception undermined trust and disrupted the truth, essential elements of Maat. 17. I have not stolen anyone’s land – Land was sacred and essential for survival, so taking it unlawfully was a serious offense. 18. I have not been an eavesdropper – Respecting privacy helped to maintain trust and order in relationships. 19. I have not falsely accused anyone – Truth in justice was crucial to maintaining social harmony, and false accusations were damaging. 20. I have not been angry without reason – Anger, when unjustified, disrupts emotional and social balance. 21. I have not seduced anyone’s wife – This law emphasized the importance of respecting marital bonds and not disrupting familial harmony. 22. I have not polluted myself – Personal purity, both physically and spiritually, was considered necessary for living according to Maat. 23. I have not terrorized anyone – Instilling fear in others was a violation of the principles of peace and security. 24. I have not disobeyed the law – Respect for legal and moral order was essential for a society guided by Maat. 25. I have not been exclusively angry – Holding onto anger, especially without justification, was seen as harmful to oneself and others. 26. I have not cursed God/Goddess – Reverence for the divine was essential, and disrespecting the gods was considered a serious moral violation. 27. I have not behaved with violence – Avoiding violence was key to maintaining peace and respect within the community. 28. I have not caused disruption of peace – Peace and order were central to Maat, and disturbing them was considered a breach of social responsibility.

29. I have not acted hastily or without thought – This law promotes careful consideration and thoughtful actions, preventing impulsive decisions that could cause harm. 30. I have not overstepped my boundaries of concern – Respecting others’ space and roles was important for maintaining balance and harmony. 31. I have not exaggerated my words when speaking – Speaking truthfully and accurately was necessary for maintaining trust. 32. I have not worked evil – Committing harmful actions was a violation of Maat and disrupted personal and societal harmony. 33. I have not used evil thoughts, words, or deeds – Purity in thought and action was essential for a life guided by Maat. 34. I have not polluted the water – Water was a sacred resource, and polluting it would harm both the environment and the community. 35. I have not spoken angrily or arrogantly – Humility and controlled speech were valued, as arrogance and anger could lead to conflict. 36. I have not cursed anyone in thought, word, or deeds – Ill will in any form was discouraged, as it created disharmony. 37. I have not placed myself on a pedestal – Humility was a virtue, and putting oneself above others was discouraged. 38. I have not stolen that which belongs to God/Goddess – Respecting what was sacred to the divine was crucial in maintaining cosmic balance. 39. I have not taken food from a child – Taking from those who are vulnerable, such as children, was a serious violation of ethics. 40. I have not acted with insolence – Insolence or disrespect, especially toward authority or elders, was seen as disruptive to social harmony. 41. I have not destroyed property belonging to God/Goddess – Destroying sacred or divine property was considered a direct attack on cosmic order. 42. I have not offended the gods – Respect for the gods and living in accordance with their will was central to achieving personal and societal harmony.

Maat, Goddess of Truth, Justice, and Cosmic Order

Maat, the embodiment of truth, justice, balance, and cosmic order in ancient Egyptian mythology, played an essential role in maintaining the harmony of the universe. She was not associated with or “belonged” to any one specific god in a possessive sense. Rather, Maat’s principles were upheld and supported by many prominent gods of the Egyptian pantheon. Her presence was a unifying force that connected multiple deities, ensuring that the laws of truth and justice permeated both the divine and human realms.

(For more information, see https://philarchive.org/archive/AYOTLD)

Reading the 42 Confessions of Maat, you might wonder what’s wrong with the Egyptian system? Many of the qualities embodied in these Confessions will be reflected in the Ten Commandments and the other laws that God will later give the Israelites through Moses. In fact, there are many of these qualities that appear excellent and worthy of emulation. But notice the repeated references to gods and goddesses and the lack of recognition of sin or guilt. These confessions are a perfect example of something that looks good but that misses the mark, for worship of the One True Living God is more important than anything else.

Who are these gods and goddesses? When Satan fell from heaven, one third of the angels fell with him. Those angels became demons, and scattered throughout the earth, becoming local deities. God knows who and what and where each of these demons work; that’s why He insists the Israelites have no other gods apart from Him.

 Which God are you worshiping? Are you worshiping the One True Living God, or something less? For many people, their favorite singer or athlete or movie actor or actress has become their god, and they will go to great lengths to worship. Years ago, during Elvis Week, one man brought a stained-glass window of Elvis he had created. Not only did this window contain brilliantly colored glass, but it also incorporated precious stones into the design. This man worshiped Elvis Presley, a dead singer, and he spent everything he had to create this monument to him.

God is worthy of all praise and all worship. The Egyptian religion was one of works; follow the Confessions of Maat and you should have no problems in the afterlife. But God has a different view of humans, and He knows that none of us is perfect and that each of us is sinful. Want true peace? Worship the One True Living God!

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and caring for us. Lord, help us to leave all our idols behind and to worship You alone. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Exodus 20: 4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

Listening, the Israelites are likely shocked! “What’s wrong with idols?” they think. An internet search tells us: Ancient Egyptians worshipped a vast number of deities, with estimates ranging from several hundred to over 2,000 idols. This polytheistic belief system included gods and goddesses who represented various aspects of life, nature, and the cosmos. The exact number is difficult to determine due to the evolving nature of their religious practices and the many local variations in worship.

Not only are the Israelites used to the Egyptian pantheon of gods and goddesses, but they undoubtedly have all kinds of gold and silver shrines, amulets, idols, and jewelry their terrified Egyptian neighbors have given them as they have fled Egypt. Many Israelites are probably still worshiping some of the Egyptian gods, figuring “Why not? What’s wrong with a little extra protection?” Problem is, these folks don’t realize they are paying homage to demons, and demons never bring peace, only confusion and despair.

5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

Of course, this statement is true, but why does God connect idol worship with ancestral curses going on for generations? Children copy their parents. When parents worship idols, they naturally dedicate their children to those same idols, with terrible consequences. Once so dedicated, those children will have to repeatedly struggle to gain their freedom. While there is more power in one drop of the Blood of Jesus than in all the forces of hell, such spiritual battles must be fought persistently. Those children will never know peace until they have been freed from the curses brought on by idol worship.

We knew a man in Ghana whose name meant “second.” While this man appeared to be a harmless charming businessman, he was actually a fetish worshiper involved in a very evil cult. We were forced to live on the ground floor of his house for several months. At around 2 AM, we would feel an evil presence descending through our ceiling from this man’s rooms. We would have to get up, pray, and play praise music about the blood of Jesus to drive away the evil. Eventually, we learned that this man’s mother had wanted a second son, so she had promised the fetish priest that if the fetish would grant her a son, she would dedicate that boy to the fetish from the womb. This man was our landlord, and the poor fellow had been dedicated to demons before his birth. Incidentally, the demons would only manifest themselves at certain times; fellow missionaries refused to believe our stories about this man, assuming that he was sweet and innocent.

We have another Ghanaian friend whose family name was that of a traditional fetish. This man was from a royal family, indicating that his ancestors were traditional chiefs. Chieftaincy requires those becoming chiefs to swear loyalty to a variety of fetishes. Despite this evil heritage, our friend is a vibrant Christian, a pastor, and the founder of a Christian school that has educated thousands of children for twenty-six years. This friend’s story demonstrates that freedom in Christ is possible. This man’s family and his students are blessed by his dedication to Jesus Christ.

God makes His truth clear: worship Him and bless your family for a thousand generations. Refuse to worship Him and bring curses on those same descendants.

Now those Israelites are standing in a crowd, listening to the Word of God that Moses has brought to them. Too bad, many of them are already modifying it or rejecting it mentally, assuming that what they learned back in Egypt is going to get them through.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and caring for us. Lord, help us to worship You only, truly and whole-heartedly, having no other gods before You, for then we shall have peace. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Exodus 19 The Lord Reveals Himself at Sinai

1 Exactly two months after the Israelites left Egypt, they arrived in the wilderness of Sinai. 2 After breaking camp at Rephidim, they came to the wilderness of Sinai and set up camp there at the base of Mount Sinai.

3 Then Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. The Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “Give these instructions to the family of Jacob; announce it to the descendants of Israel: 4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. 6 And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.”

7 So Moses returned from the mountain and called together the elders of the people and told them everything the Lord had commanded him. 8 And all the people responded together, “We will do everything the Lord has commanded.” So Moses brought the people’s answer back to the Lord.

9 Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will come to you in a thick cloud, Moses, so the people themselves can hear me when I speak with you. Then they will always trust you.”

Moses told the Lord what the people had said. 10 Then the Lord told Moses, “Go down and prepare the people for my arrival. Consecrate them today and tomorrow, and have them wash their clothing. 11 Be sure they are ready on the third day, for on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai as all the people watch. 12 Mark off a boundary all around the mountain. Warn the people, ‘Be careful! Do not go up on the mountain or even touch its boundaries. Anyone who touches the mountain will certainly be put to death. 13 No hand may touch the person or animal that crosses the boundary; instead, stone them or shoot them with arrows. They must be put to death.’ However, when the ram’s horn sounds a long blast, then the people may go up on the mountain.”

14 So Moses went down to the people. He consecrated them for worship, and they washed their clothes. 15 He told them, “Get ready for the third day, and until then abstain from having sexual intercourse.”

16 On the morning of the third day, thunder roared and lightning flashed, and a dense cloud came down on the mountain. There was a long, loud blast from a ram’s horn, and all the people trembled. 17 Moses led them out from the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. 18 All of Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the Lord had descended on it in the form of fire. The smoke billowed into the sky like smoke from a brick kiln, and the whole mountain shook violently. 19 As the blast of the ram’s horn grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God thundered his reply. 20 The Lord came down on the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses climbed the mountain.

21 Then the Lord told Moses, “Go back down and warn the people not to break through the boundaries to see the Lord, or they will die. 22 Even the priests who regularly come near to the Lord must purify themselves so that the Lord does not break out and destroy them.”

23 “But Lord,” Moses protested, “the people cannot come up to Mount Sinai. You already warned us. You told me, ‘Mark off a boundary all around the mountain to set it apart as holy.’”

24 But the Lord said, “Go down and bring Aaron back up with you. In the meantime, do not let the priests or the people break through to approach the Lord, or he will break out and destroy them.”

25 So Moses went down to the people and told them what the Lord had said.

You might think that after all the miracles God has already done and the way in which He killed all the firstborn of Egypt, that the Israelites would instantly follow instructions as soon as God gives them…..and you’d be wrong! Mount Sinai stands at a height of 2,285 meters (7,497 feet), making it one of the prominent peaks in the southern part of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. Now the entire mountain range is shaking, a divine ram’s horn is blasting, smoke and fire cover the top of the mountain, and thunder and lightning are roaring. The Israelites should be shaking in their tents. Even so, God must advise Moses to warn the people or some of them will go beyond the barrier previously set in hopes of seeing the Lord.

The mere fact that God orders Moses to warn the people demonstrates that these people have a long way to go spiritually. Rather than listen to a divine edict, some of these people are so ignorant, so arrogant, and so thick-skulled that they believe they are perfectly suited to approach a holy God. What’s wrong with these people? They are still behaving like Egyptians; even now, they still have no idea how pure God is and how sinful they are, nor do they view sin as God does. An internet search reveals the following about ancient Egyptian concepts of sin:

The ancient Egyptians had a complex understanding of sin. They viewed sin primarily as a form of disorder rather than an inner moral failing. This perspective was deeply intertwined with their religious beliefs and practices, particularly the concept of Ma’at, which represented truth, balance, and order in the universe. When individuals committed acts that disrupted this order, they were seen as sinning.

Understanding of Sin

• Disorder vs. Guilt: Unlike many cultures that emphasize guilt, the Egyptians focused on restoring balance through purification rituals and offerings to the gods.
• Purification Practices: Rituals were essential for correcting sins and restoring one’s standing with the divine.
• Communication with Deities: Egyptians believed they could convince the gods of their innocence or seek forgiveness through proper rituals.

Contextual Significance

• Religious Framework: Sin was often linked to the afterlife, where one’s actions in life determined their fate in the Duat (underworld).
• Cultural Impact: The concept of sin influenced various aspects of Egyptian life, including law, morality, and social order.

After 400 years in Egypt, it’s likely that the Israelites have bought into the Egyptian concepts of sin. God is concerned about holiness, while the Israelites have no idea about guilt but are concerned with balance. Coming from Egypt with a works-related religion that depends on propitiating various deities, the Israelites truly believe they are good people who simply need a little help and who might convince God of their innocence if they carefully observe certain rituals. But God is holy, almighty, all-knowing, all-powerful, and completely pure. There’s no convincing God of one’s innocence, for God already knows all a person’s thoughts and intentions, even before they do. For now, the Israelites will obey Moses; however, there are no guarantees about their behavior in the future.

Considering the concepts embodied in Egyptian religion, obedience to one all-powerful deity has no place in such thinking. So far, the Israelites have obeyed Moses to a degree; however, they still have no idea of the kind of obedience God demands from His followers. It’s likely that succeeding generations have failed to inculcate the experiences of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph-men who KNEW what it meant to obey God. Now God must train His people, rooting out their Egyptian beliefs and substituting His truth and righteousness.

Few of us become believers as young children. How many of us who have believed as adults are dragging outmoded beliefs into our current faith? When we begin to follow God, we are just like those Israelites who have spent generations copying their Egyptian neighbors. Look at the difference between the Egyptian theology and God’s.

The concept of sin. Romans 3:21-24 “21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” 

The concept of guilt. John 1:5-10 says, “5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.” Many of us want to believe that we really aren’t fundamentally bad people.

The need for a Savior.  Hebrews 9:22 “In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Many of us hope that if we simply do enough good things, we will earn our way into heaven, not realizing that we are sinful and everything we do is therefore tainted by sin.

May God help us so that we will search our hearts and confess the “stuff” we’ve dragged in from our previous lives!

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and caring for us. Lord, please reveal to us our fixed beliefs that have no basis in You or in Your Word. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Exodus 18 Jethro’s Wise Advice

13 The next day, Moses took his seat to hear the people’s disputes against each other. They waited before him from morning till evening.

14 When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What are you really accomplishing here? Why are you trying to do all this alone while everyone stands around you from morning till evening?”

15 Moses replied, “Because the people come to me to get a ruling from God. 16 When a dispute arises, they come to me, and I am the one who settles the case between the quarreling parties. I inform the people of God’s decrees and give them his instructions.”

17 “This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. 18 “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. 19 Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. You should continue to be the people’s representative before God, bringing their disputes to him. 20 Teach them God’s decrees, and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives. 21 But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. 22 They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. 23 If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.”

24 Moses listened to his father-in-law’s advice and followed his suggestions. 25 He chose capable men from all over Israel and appointed them as leaders over the people. He put them in charge of groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. 26 These men were always available to solve the people’s common disputes. They brought the major cases to Moses, but they took care of the smaller matters themselves.

27 Soon after this, Moses said good-bye to his father-in-law, who returned to his own land.

You’ve got to hand it to Jethro; this guy is brilliant when it comes to executive strategy. While we know practically nothing about Jethro’s position in Midian, obviously, he understands the need to develop leaders and then delegate responsibility to them. One of the key points in ministry is to keep the main thing the main thing. If we allow ourselves to become sidetracked into lesser matters, we will wind up feeling exhausted and defeated and we’ll have no time or energy left to fulfill God’s purpose in our lives.

The temptation to become distracted isn’t a problem for lazy people; it’s a problem for those already excellent at problem-solving who want to make sure that everything is done JUST RIGHT! While Moses might be able to continue to solve all the problems of the Israelites himself, he will have neither time nor energy to listen to God.

Capable people sometimes fail to remember that they became capable because someone else delegated responsibility to them. While in Greek mythology, Pallas Athena springs forth fully formed from Zeus’s forehead, the rest of us take years to mature and become competent. There are no shortcuts to excellence.

Moses is a big enough person to appreciate Jethro’s advice and follow it. A lesser man might have listened to Jethro, complimented him on his wisdom, and then completely ignored it. Moses, however, fully realizes that he’s about to drop from exhaustion and that there must be some other way to handle things.

When Moses follows Jethro’s advice, he accomplishes several things at once. First, Moses removes much of the burden from himself. Frankly, the daily deluge of petty problems has left Moses feeling as if he’s being stoned to death with millet. It’s not the severity of the problems, but the sheer number of them that is overwhelming. Second, Moses is shifting responsibility onto the shoulders of men who undoubtedly know the individuals involved far better than he does. While Moses might not know anything about the family of Ben-Isaac, for example, the local leaders know them far too well and are fully aware that they are chronic complainers, always trying to stir up trouble with the neighbors. Third, by delegating responsibility, Moses is not only relieving himself of a burden but also giving these men the opportunity to develop leadership skills. Fourth, by giving these men the chance to make small decisions, Moses is ensuring that they will be less likely to criticize him, for now these men will better understand the burdens of leadership. After carrying out Jethro’s suggestions for problem-solving, Moses now has the peace necessary for him to spend long amounts of time with God.

This story should cause us to examine our own lives. Are we so caught up in the need to control people or events that we are refusing to delegate when we should? Delegating involves trusting God to guide those assuming authority so that they actually do develop leadership skills. We must be willing to live with the fact that these people will make mistakes when they first start; however, we too have made mistakes and the world has not fallen apart.

May God help us to delegate when He wants us to so that we will be able to spend time with Him and receive His peace.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and caring for us. Lord, help us to trust You and to allow others to carry part of our burdens. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.

Exodus 2:15-22 Moses meets Reul (Jethro)

When Moses arrived in Midian, he sat down beside a well. 16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters who came as usual to draw water and fill the water troughs for their father’s flocks. 17 But some other shepherds came and chased them away. So Moses jumped up and rescued the girls from the shepherds. Then he drew water for their flocks.

18 When the girls returned to Reuel, their father, he asked, “Why are you back so soon today?”

19 “An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds,” they answered. “And then he drew water for us and watered our flocks.”

20 “Then where is he?” their father asked. “Why did you leave him there? Invite him to come and eat with us.”

21 Moses accepted the invitation, and he settled there with him. In time, Reuel gave Moses his daughter Zipporah to be his wife. 22 Later she gave birth to a son, and Moses named him Gershom, [a foreigner there] for he explained, “I have been a foreigner in a foreign land.”

It all began when Moses fled Egypt and wound up on the back side of Midian. That’s where Moses met Jethro, a Midianite priest and a worshiper of the One True Living God. Jethro welcomed Moses into his family after Moses assisted Jethro’s daughters in watering their flocks. Moses married Jethro’s daughter, Zipporah, who bore him two sons. If we skip over the meaning of those names, we miss special gifts from God. An internet search reveals: The name Zipporah means “bird” in Hebrew. This name is derived from the Hebrew word צִפּוֹר (tzippor), which signifies beauty, grace, and freedom. Zipporah is notably recognized as the wife of Moses in the Old Testament, and her name symbolizes vitality and a significant role in the liberation narrative. Additionally, the name carries spiritual connotations, representing divine care and unexpected purpose.

Zipporah’s father is Reul, or Jethro. The name “Jethro” means “excellence” or “abundance,” and Jethro lives up to his name. Everybody should have a father-in-law like Jethro! Here is a man worshiping the One True Living God in Midian, a country whose inhabitants generally worshiped Baal, Ashtoreth, and Dagon. Instead of slavishly following these hollow deities, Jethro worships God Almighty and functions as His priest. Jethro is one of those men whose entire body is a perpetual smile and who makes people feel good simply by being around him. Now Moses has been welcomed into the home of a believing family, a family full of love and grace, with whom he will live for forty years. How can Moses remain unchanged when his new family exhibits the winsome grace of true believers? Moses has experienced the hauteur of Pharaoh’s court and now experiences the love and peace of Jethro’s household.

Exodus 18 Jethro’s Visit to Moses

1 Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, heard about everything God had done for Moses and his people, the Israelites. He heard especially about how the Lord had rescued them from Egypt.

2 Earlier, Moses had sent his wife, Zipporah, and his two sons back to Jethro, who had taken them in. 3 (Moses’ first son was named Gershom, [a foreigner there] for Moses had said when the boy was born, “I have been a foreigner in a foreign land.” 4 His second son was named Eliezer, [God is my helper] for Moses had said, “The God of my ancestors was my helper; he rescued me from the sword of Pharaoh.”) 5 Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, now came to visit Moses in the wilderness. He brought Moses’ wife and two sons with him, and they arrived while Moses and the people were camped near the mountain of God. 6 Jethro had sent a message to Moses, saying, “I, Jethro, your father-in-law, am coming to see you with your wife and your two sons.”

7 So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law. He bowed low and kissed him. They asked about each other’s welfare and then went into Moses’ tent. 8 Moses told his father-in-law everything the Lord had done to Pharaoh and Egypt on behalf of Israel. He also told about all the hardships they had experienced along the way and how the Lord had rescued his people from all their troubles. 9 Jethro was delighted when he heard about all the good things the Lord had done for Israel as he rescued them from the hand of the Egyptians.

10 “Praise the Lord,” Jethro said, “for he has rescued you from the Egyptians and from Pharaoh. Yes, he has rescued Israel from the powerful hand of Egypt! 11 I know now that the Lord is greater than all other gods, because he rescued his people from the oppression of the proud Egyptians.”

12 Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God. Aaron and all the elders of Israel came out and joined him in a sacrificial meal in God’s presence.

Eventually, Jethro’s daughter, Zipporah, gave Moses two sons. Moses knew things were going to become difficult in Egypt, so he sent his wife and two sons to stay with his father-in-law. Now that the Israelites have left Egypt, Jethro hears about everything God has done and brings Moses’ family back so he can encourage Moses.

Proverbs 17:22 New Living Translation “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” Throughout Jethro’s life, he continues to fulfill the promises embodied in his name. Here is an elderly man willing to travel long miles from Midian along with his daughter and his grandsons to meet Moses in the wilderness.

Once Jethro meets Moses, he is delighted about all the good things the Lord has done for Israel. 10 “Praise the Lord,” Jethro said, “for he has rescued you from the Egyptians and from Pharaoh. Yes, he has rescued Israel from the powerful hand of Egypt! 11 I know now that the Lord is greater than all other gods, because he rescued his people from the oppression of the proud Egyptians.”

Is it possible that some of the Israelites try to complain to Jethro about Moses? Doubtful. Jethro is a stranger, and in many cultures, you never tell strangers bad news. But there’s also another reason. Jethro is one of those men who is one giant smile, continually praising God and rejoicing in His work. It’s tough to begin complaining when someone is smiling at you like you are his new best friend. Remember Jethro has spent his life herding sheep in the wilderness as well and is fully aware of all the problems Moses has faced and might face in the future. Jethro doesn’t waste time warning Moses but is thrilled about God’s salvation.

As a priest, Jethro proceeds to set a magnificent example, leading worship, involving Moses, Aaron, and all the elders of Israel. No matter what these elders have failed to do in the past, Jethro is showing them what it truly means to be a man of faith. True, Moses has been leading the Israelites, but now this stranger is worshiping the One True Living God. Many of these elders might be shocked or ashamed, for they are still compromising spiritually. Only God knows how many of these men have amulets or statues of Egyptian gods back in their tents or how many of them have been secretly imploring Egyptian deities for help. Perhaps part of the anger and frustration the Israelites have expressed stems from having sought help from their Egyptian idols without success. Not only does Jethro encourage Moses but he also leaves a lasting impression on the elders of Israel.

As we move through our days, what impression do we leave on those around us? Are we encouragers or are we perpetually looking as if we have lost our best friend? If we are truly serving the One True Living God, then we should be like Jethro, our faces beaming with reflected light from God’s countenance. Later, David will write in Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?”

When we are serving God, we have no need of fear, for God will care for us, even in the most trying of circumstances. May God help us to copy Jethro, so that throughout our days, we are messengers of His light and love.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and caring for us. Lord, help us to be like Jethro, full of Your abundant grace, blessing all those whom we meet. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.