What can we learn from Jethro's actions about worship and fellowship? A Snapshot of Exodus 18:12 “Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law in the presence of God.” Lessons on Worship • Worship starts with an offering. – Jethro “brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God.” The burnt offering (Leviticus 1) signified total consecration—everything on the altar. – Romans 12:1 calls believers to be “a living sacrifice,” mirroring Jethro’s wholehearted gift. • Worship is personal yet public. – Jethro himself presents the sacrifice; no proxy faith. – At the same time, Aaron and the elders witness it, highlighting that worship is never a private hobby (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Worship is rooted in gratitude for deliverance. – Jethro offered praise after hearing how the LORD rescued Israel (Exodus 18:8-11). – Psalm 50:23, “He who sacrifices a thank offering honors Me.” • Worship invites outsiders in. – Jethro, a Midianite priest, approaches Israel’s God and is welcomed. – Foreshadows Gentile inclusion: Ephesians 2:12-13—“you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Lessons on Fellowship • Shared meals solidify spiritual unity. – “They ate bread…in the presence of God.” In covenant culture, table-fellowship equals shared life (Acts 2:42). – Luke 24:30-31: Jesus reveals Himself “in the breaking of bread.” • Leadership eats together. – Moses, Aaron, and the elders join Jethro. Spiritual leadership models community, not isolation (1 Peter 5:2-3). • God is the unseen Host. – “In the presence of God” turns an ordinary meal into sacred fellowship (1 Corinthians 10:31). • Hospitality bridges generations and backgrounds. – The family connection (father-in-law) and national elders unite. – Romans 12:13: “Pursue hospitality.” The Pattern Pointing to Christ • Jethro’s burnt offering anticipates the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus (Hebrews 9:26). • The meal anticipates the Lord’s Supper, where believers remember the sacrifice and celebrate fellowship (1 Corinthians 11:26). Bringing It Home • Approach God with wholehearted surrender, not token gestures. • Let gratitude for salvation fuel visible, gathered worship. • Open your table; shared food becomes holy ground when God is honored. • Welcome “outsiders”—the story of Jethro proves God delights to draw them in. • Keep Christ central; every sacrifice and meal in Scripture ultimately points to Him. |
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