Scripture: Exodus 18:12
Then
Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God, and
Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses'
father-in-law before God.
Insights: The first word in today’s verse
is crucial. “Then” means that something preceded
it. In this case, the conversion of
Jethro in verse eleven is what preceded the next statement. Then, Jethro, because of the life change that
God brought about in his life, was able to present a burnt offering and
sacrifice to the Lord God. Even though I
have stated it in previous Thoughts by
Scott, let me emphasize that Jethro was a priest of Median. He was a polytheistic worshipper of the gods. Verse eleven told us about Jethro’s salvation
experience with the words, “Now I know….”
Because of this conversion, he was able to offer this sacrifice to God. Even though the Law had not been given by
Moses yet does not mean the Israelites did not know about sacrifices. Aaron would not have allowed Jethro to make
such an offering if his heart had not become one devoted to Yahweh. The same truths apply to us today. Even though the difference between us and the
followers of God in the Old Testament lies in the perpetual relationship with
which we get to experience the Holy Spirit.
In other words, for the Old Testament believer the Spirit of God would
come on them for a time and then depart.
With New Testament conversions the Holy Spirit becomes the deposit and
seal on our lives. He remains within us permanently.
We can have great goals and lofty thoughts about serving God, but if His Spirit
in us is not the One to empower us to obey, we are going to fail, loose heart,
and quit. If, on the other hand, we do
surrender to the Spirit’s promptings and power, we will accomplish great things
for God and His kingdom. Beloved, I am
so grateful for the Holy Spirit working in me and you. I am so appreciative He does not leave us nor
forsake sake us. I am so thankful He does
empower us to obey and follow through on His will and commands. I know I do not obey perfectly because my old
sin nature does rise up at times, but because of the Holy Spirit’s empowerment
I am able to obey at other times.
Beloved, we ought to pray for daily surrender to the Lord’s will and the
Spirit’s empowerment in our lives. Let
us live courageously for our Lord and God because of the Spirit residing in us!
Questions:
- What has the Lord empowered you to do for Him?
- How well do you respond to the promptings of the Holy
Spirit in you?
Prayer: Father, thank You
that You have sealed me with Your Spirit.
He empowers and guides me and leads me to You. Thank You for this marvelous gift. Amen.
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