What can we learn from Jethro's response about sharing testimonies of God's work? The Scene in Midian “Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness that the LORD had done to Israel, whom He had delivered from the hand of the Egyptians.” (Exodus 18:9) What Jethro’s Response Reveals • Joy is the natural, Spirit-born response when God’s works are reported. • Testimonies are contagious; Jethro had not walked through the Red Sea, yet he shared Israel’s delight as though the victory were his own. • Genuine accounts of God’s deliverance transcend cultural and family lines—Jethro was a Midianite priest, yet the story bridged that divide. • Hearing God’s deeds moved Jethro beyond emotion to action (vv. 10-12): he blessed the LORD and offered sacrifices. Why We Should Share Our Testimonies • They kindle worship in others – Psalm 66:16 “Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what He has done for me.” • They strengthen faith – Romans 10:17 “So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” • They frame spiritual victories in concrete, memorable ways – Joshua 4:6-7: stones of remembrance kept Israel mindful of God’s power. • They equip believers for spiritual battle – Revelation 12:11 “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” Key Lessons for Today 1. Share promptly: Moses did not wait—he “told his father-in-law everything” (v. 8). Delay blunts joy. 2. Be specific: recount “all the goodness” (v. 9); details highlight God’s hand. 3. Expect ripple effects: testimonies can lead others into deeper worship, counsel, or service. 4. Welcome outsiders: God’s glory reaches beyond covenant borders; a skeptical listener today may be tomorrow’s worshiper. 5. Pair testimony with praise: follow Jethro’s pattern—rejoice, bless, and offer sacrifice (vv. 10-12). In New-Covenant terms, that means verbal praise and yielded lives (Hebrews 13:15-16). Supporting Passages • Psalm 105:1-2 “Give thanks to the LORD… proclaim His deeds among the nations… tell of all His wonders.” • Acts 14:27 “When they arrived and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done through them.” • 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “God… comforts us… so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received.” Practical Steps • Keep a running list of answered prayers; revisit it when discouragement strikes. • Incorporate short God-stories into everyday conversation, not just formal settings. • Use varied platforms—mealtime, social media, small groups—so more “Jethros” can hear and rejoice. • Guard accuracy; honor God by reporting exactly what He has done. Final Thought When we recount the Lord’s goodness, we invite others into the joy of redemption and open a doorway for fresh worship—just as Moses’ report stirred Jethro to rejoice, bless, and sacrifice. |
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