How can we apply Jethro's praise in Exodus 18:10 to our daily lives? Jethro’s Grateful Exclamation “Blessed be the LORD, who has delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and of Pharaoh, and who has delivered the people from the hand of the Egyptians.” (Exodus 18:10) What We Notice in Jethro’s Words • He praises the LORD by name—YHWH—recognizing the true, living God. • He focuses on God’s action, not human effort. • He celebrates deliverance already accomplished, treating it as a settled fact. • He rejoices over blessings given to others, not to himself. • His praise flows naturally after hearing testimony (18:8-9). Why This Matters for Us • God still rescues—sometimes from sin’s penalty (Colossians 1:13-14), sometimes from daily trials (Psalm 34:17). • Praise affirms that every victory is “from the LORD” (1 Samuel 17:47). • Celebrating others’ deliverance nurtures unity (Romans 12:15). • Public gratitude turns testimonies into evangelism (Psalm 105:1-2). Daily Life Applications 1. Celebrate deliverance—yours and others’. – When you hear a friend’s answered prayer, echo Jethro’s wording: “Blessed be the LORD!” – Text, call, or post a brief thanksgiving acknowledging God’s hand (Psalm 118:23). 2. Turn testimonies into worship. – At small group or around the dinner table, pause and praise God aloud whenever someone shares victory (Psalm 107:2). 3. Keep praise God-centered, not people-centered. – Say, “God rescued you,” before complimenting human courage (1 Corinthians 1:31). 4. Use praise as witness. – A simple “God delivered me from this” can open doors with unbelieving family, just as Jethro—formerly a Midianite priest—became convinced of YHWH’s greatness (Exodus 18:11). – 1 Peter 2:9 reminds us we are saved to “proclaim the excellencies of Him who called” us. 5. Let praise deepen humility and gratitude. – James 1:17 credits every good gift to the Father; verbalizing that truth safeguards against pride. 6. Strengthen community bonds through shared thanksgiving. – Hebrews 10:24-25 urges mutual encouragement; praise meetings, testimony nights, or even quick hallway celebrations build spiritual camaraderie. Simple Ways to Practice Jethro-Like Praise • Deliverance journal: jot down daily rescues—big or small—and begin each entry with “Blessed be the LORD.” • Meal moments: before eating, recall one way God delivered someone that day. • Weekly recap: during family devotions, list this week’s “Egypts” God has carried you through. • Spontaneous shout-outs: when a co-worker’s project moves forward, quietly thank God in their presence—natural, unforced witness. Encouragement to Keep Going Psalm 34:1 sets the tone: “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.” Let Jethro’s example remind you that every fresh story of deliverance—whether yours or another’s—is another invitation to bless the LORD today. |
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