Greater than all gods

Press the play button to watch the video above or press 'more' to read the transcript of the daily devotion below. Please read Exodus 18:1-12 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible).

‘Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods.’ Exodus 18:11

Before the days of pausing live TV and catch-up, advert breaks sometimes came as a welcome pause in action to put the kettle on and use the bathroom. After seventeen chapters of dramatic action, chapter 18 gives us a breather before we reach the heights of what follows. But this is no irrelevant commercial. Instead, it forms a vital bridge between the two halves of Exodus: past rescue by the Lord (today) and present relationship with the Lord (tomorrow).

Moses’ father-in-law journeys to the mountain of God with Moses’ wife and sons (perhaps Zipporah went home for safety during the plagues or went to visit dad after the Red Sea – we don’t know). Jethro has already heard about what God had done, but Moses testifies at length to the Lord’s goodness towards His people in the plagues, Passover, Red Sea, desert provision, and deliverance.

This retelling of the Lord’s rescue has a dramatic effect on Jethro. He is moved to praise and worship. The priest of Midian, no less, declares the Lord is the greatest god. He brings sacrifices and eats a fellowship meal with the elders of Israel in God’s presence! All this happens because of his relation to Moses (just count how many times father-in-law appears).

So here in an obscure chapter of Exodus, Jethro foreshadows our inclusion in God’s salvation plan. Jesus is our Passover lamb sacrificed on the cross. He has passed through the waters of death and risen again. Relating to Jesus by faith, we rejoice and partake in the rescue He has accomplished for us through His passion. Today, dwell on and praise the Lord for all the good He has done for us, His people in Christ.

One final thought, tomorrow we’ll read that Jethro returns home. What impact will his new faith in the Lord have on his life and work? We’re not told. But we can consider our own response. This Lenten season, how will the Lord’s goodness to me continue to transform my daily living? What other priorities (“gods”) do I need to set aside to worship Him alone?

Let us pray: Father God, I praise you for all that You have done to include me in Your people and plan. Help me to dwell on Your goodness that I would worship You in how I live today and always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Revd Jonny Lee, Vicar of All Hallows, Bispham.