THE SECOND BOOK OF MOSES
Lesson 7 : The Bread and Water of Life

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7.4 Jethro
Wisdom That Brings Relief

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Introduction

In a world that is often loud and favors quick answers, genuine listening has become a rare gift. Even rarer is the willingness to accept advice—especially from someone outside of our “world.” Yet Moses, the great leader of Israel, shows in Exodus 18 that true greatness also means being humble enough to listen.

The encounter with his father-in-law Jethro is not a side note but a turning point for the young nation of Israel—organizationally, spiritually, and relationally.

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Bible Study – Exodus 18: Jethro – The Blessing of Counsel

Introduction and Context

Before diving into the verses, it’s important to understand the historical and spiritual setting:

• Israel is still early in its wilderness journey.

• Major miracles—the Exodus, the Red Sea, manna, water from the rock—have already taken place.

• The people are numerous, unstructured, spiritually immature, and Moses faces all their issues.

• Moses is tired—physically, spiritually, and administratively.

And then Jethro arrives.

An outsider. A Midianite priest. Not a Hebrew.
Yet this man becomes a key figure in what comes next.

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Verse-by-Verse Commentary – Exodus 18:1–27

Verses 1–7: Family Returns, Jethro Arrives

“Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard everything God had done for Moses and for His people Israel…” (v.1)

Observations:

• Jethro doesn’t come randomly—he responds to God’s actions.

• News of God’s victory over Egypt spreads to desert regions—a witness to the nations.

• He brings back Moses’ wife and children—restoration of family.

Application:

• God’s actions speak beyond the church.

• Relationships are part of God’s plan. Moses is not only a leader—he’s a husband, father, and son-in-law.

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Verses 8–12: Testimony and Worship

“Moses told his father-in-law everything… how the LORD had delivered them…” (v.8)
“Jethro rejoiced… and said, ‘Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods.’” (vv.10–11)

Observations:

• Moses gives a full, honest report—including hardships.

• Jethro responds with joy, worship, and a confession of faith.

• He offers a sacrifice and worships the God of Israel—even as a non-Israelite.

Application:

• Your personal testimony can lead others to faith—not through theology, but through truth.

• Share your struggles, not just your victories. Authenticity touches hearts.

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Verses 13–18: Observation and Honest Feedback

“What are you doing for the people? Why do you sit alone?” (v.14)

Jethro notices what others didn’t—Moses is overwhelmed.

Core Issue:

• Moses is the only judge—for everything.

• The people wait from morning to night.

• Centralization leads to burnout and delay.

Jethro’s assessment:

“What you are doing is not good.” (v.17)

He analyzes:

• It’s too much for one person.

• The people suffer as well.

• Spiritual leadership is at risk.

Application:

• Those with great responsibility must learn to delegate.

• Overwork is not faithfulness—it’s structural imbalance.

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Verses 19–23: Jethro’s Proposal

“You must be the people’s representative before God… but teach them the statutes and laws…” (vv.19–20)

Division of Responsibilities:

• Moses: teaching, intercession, major cases.

• Others: daily matters, small judgments, group leadership.

Qualifications for leaders:

“Capable men who fear God, are trustworthy, and hate dishonest gain.” (v.21)

Ethical and spiritual criteria—not just administrative.

Verse 23: The Benefit

• Moses can focus on what matters most.

• The people return home in peace.

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Verses 24–27: Moses Listens and Acts

“Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said.”

Though he was God’s chosen prophet, Moses:

• Listened to the advice of an outsider.

• Accepted correction—without pride.

• Jethro returned home—mission complete.

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Deeper Spiritual Insights

1. God works through people outside our “circle.”
   Jethro wasn’t a Hebrew, prophet, or priest—but God used him.
   → Be humble and open—your next counselor may not come from your church.

2. Spiritual maturity means knowing your limits.
   Moses was the leader—but he knew he needed help.
   → Mature faith depends more on God’s wisdom—often through others.

3. Structure protects calling.
   Order is not opposed to the Holy Spirit—it’s often the vessel He works through.
   → Justice, clarity, and multiplication are biblical principles—from Moses to Acts 6.

4. Teaching and leading go together.
   Moses was to instruct the people—not just manage them.
   → Leadership includes discipleship.

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New Testament Parallel

• Acts 6 – Apostles delegate to deacons so they can focus on prayer and the Word.

• Ephesians 4:11–13 – God appoints diverse roles “to equip the saints.”
  → God’s people need teamwork. Leadership is never a one-man show.

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Questions for Reflection

• Where am I “sitting alone at the judge’s seat”?

• Do I listen to wise advice—even from outside my faith circle?

• Do I have people I can entrust with responsibility?

• What might happen if I let go and delegate?

• Where can I share my testimony—like Moses did with Jethro?

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Summary & Spiritual Meaning

The story of Moses and Jethro shows:

• God gives wisdom through relationships.

• Spiritual greatness includes listening and serving.

• God’s order is practical, grace-filled, and life-giving.

• People like Jethro are hidden gifts from God—their voice can bring structure if we’re willing to hear.

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Answers to the Questions

Question 1: What significant steps occurred in Israel’s history here?

Exodus 18 marks a subtle yet strategic turning point in Israel’s journey—spiritually, relationally, and structurally.

1. Testimony and Evangelism
   Jethro hears of God’s work and confesses:

   “Now I know the LORD is greater than all gods.” (v.11)
   → A powerful moment of faith and outreach beyond Israel.

2. Spiritual Fellowship
   Jethro offers sacrifice and joins Moses and the elders.
   → A non-Israelite worships with God’s people—foreshadowing Gentile inclusion.

3. Leadership and Governance
   Jethro identifies Moses’ overload and offers a structured system:

   • Delegation

   • Sub-leaders (10s, 50s, 100s, 1000s)

   • Ethical qualifications
     → This becomes a blueprint for future societal order.

4. Humility and Willingness to Learn
   Despite his position, Moses accepts correction from Jethro.
   → Great leaders are teachable.

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Question 2: What can we learn from Moses’ willingness to listen to someone outside his faith community?

Moses could’ve ignored Jethro—but didn’t.
This teaches us:

1. Humility is a leader’s crown.
   Moses listened, learned, and changed.
   → Great leaders are not perfect—but humble.

2. God sometimes speaks through “outsiders.”
   Jethro was not a Hebrew—but brought divine insight.
   → Don’t limit God’s voice to familiar channels.

3. Correction is a gift—not a threat.
   Jethro’s critique wasn’t an attack—it was love.
   → True maturity receives feedback gratefully.

4. Life and ministry need external wisdom.
   Jethro’s advice was practical but deeply spiritual.
   → Structure supports grace.

5. Openness to other cultures and perspectives
   Moses honors Jethro’s wisdom.
   → A timely lesson in today’s polarized world.

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Spiritual Principles

Principle	Meaning
Listening is divine	God often speaks through people
Wisdom isn’t exclusive	Outsiders may carry God’s insight
Structure serves people	Order supports mission, not opposes it
Humility enables leadership	True leaders know when to ask for help
Testimony changes hearts	Moses’ story moved Jethro

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Practical Life Application

• Learn to listen—especially if you lead.
  Even a child or outsider might be God’s messenger.

• Know your limits—you can’t do it all.
  Like Moses, be willing to accept help.

• Organize your life—structure isn’t unspiritual.
  It’s often a tool of peace and efficiency.

• Share what God has done—your story may lead someone to worship.

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Conclusion

Jethro’s visit was no coincidence. It was a God-ordained encounter with a man who came to faith through Moses’ testimony—and helped the people of God through his wisdom.
Moses listened—and became an even greater leader.

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Thought of the Day

“Wisdom isn’t about where you come from—it’s about whom you serve.”

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Illustration – The Advice from the Fjord

A European winter, an exhausted leader, and an old Norwegian with clear eyes

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Chapter 1 – Oslo, December

It was a cold winter in Norway. The days were short, the nights long. In a modern office building in the heart of Oslo, Elena Kristiansen worked as the director of a Christian NGO that provided aid to refugees across Europe.

Elena, 39, was intelligent, efficient, and passionate. Under her leadership, the organization had grown from a small network into a continent-wide project within just four years. Hundreds of thousands of refugees had received legal, medical, and pastoral support.

But Elena was tired. Not just a little. Deeply, soul-wearingly tired.
She worked late into the night, constantly traveled between Berlin, Athens, and Stockholm, led endless video calls, and managed new crises every week.
She knew she couldn’t go on like this—but she didn’t know how to stop.

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Chapter 2 – A Visit from the North

Christmas was approaching. Elena decided to spend the holidays in her hometown, Bergen, on Norway’s west coast. Her mother had recently been widowed. Elena looked forward to a few quiet days—but was also nervous. Her uncle Einar would be visiting too.

Einar was a retired fisherman and long-time lay preacher. A quiet man with sharp blue eyes, deep wrinkles, and a kind smile. He wasn’t a manager or academic—but his advice had saved many a seafarer in tough storms. He was known for saying simple things that cut deep.

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Chapter 3 – By the Fireplace

On the second evening of Christmas, they sat together by the fire. The wind howled against the windows. Elena stared silently into the flames. Her mother had already told Einar how exhausted she was.

“You’re carrying too much, Elena,” Einar said gently.

“Yeah, but if I don’t, who will?” she replied.

“Sounds like you think you’re irreplaceable.”

Elena looked up.

“I didn’t mean it like that.”

“But that’s how you’re living.”

Silence. Only the crackling fire.

“You know, this reminds me of Moses,” Einar continued. “He tried to do everything on his own. Until his father-in-law interrupted him.”

Elena squinted. “Jethro?”

Einar nodded. “Yes. An old wise man. Not a prophet. Not even an Israelite. But he saw what Moses could no longer see.”

He stood, took a worn Bible from the shelf, and read:

“‘What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone?… This is not good.’” (Exodus 18)

“God called you to lead, Elena. But not to burn out.”

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Chapter 4 – Structure, Not Striving

The next morning, snow covered the rooftops. Elena woke up early and walked along the harbor with Einar.

“So, you think I should just quit?” she asked.

“No,” he replied. “But you should start trusting. Delegate. Organize. Let God work—also through others.”

“But many aren’t reliable…”

“Moses had to find men who feared God, were trustworthy, and just. Yes, that’s hard. But not impossible. Train them, trust them. And then… let go.”

They continued walking in silence. Seagulls screeched overhead. The wind stung their faces. But something inside Elena began to grow quiet.

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Chapter 5 – Back in Oslo

Two weeks later, Elena was back in the capital. She called a meeting with her leadership team. For the first time, she brought no laptop.

“I’ve realized I’ve been carrying too much alone,” she said honestly.
“And that was a mistake.”

She told them about Jethro. About Moses. About Einar.

Then she said:

“I’m going to hand off responsibilities. I will delegate. I’ll trust that God wants to work through you. And I’ll focus on what He’s really called me to: vision, spiritual direction, and strategy.”

The room was silent—but not cold. Her staff weren’t shocked—they were relieved. Some even cried.

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Chapter 6 – Jethro Lives On

Three months later, the organization was more stable than ever.

Elena now worked 45 hours a week instead of 70. She had installed mentors, created clear structures, and introduced regular counseling sessions. She held fewer meetings—but the right ones.

That spring, she returned to Bergen and visited Einar. She brought him a framed card with a Bible verse:

“Plans succeed through good counsel.” – Proverbs 15:22

Einar just smiled. Then he said:

“You know, I think all of us need a Jethro at some point.
But more importantly—sometimes, we’re meant to be one.”

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What Does This Story Teach Us?

• Leadership is not a solo act. Even in spiritual responsibility, we need help and structure.

• Wise counsel can come from unexpected places. Titles don’t matter—wisdom and love do.

• Listening saves lives. Pride blocks growth. Humility opens doors.

• God builds His work through community. No one is called to do it alone.

• The Bible is still relevant. What worked for Moses still restores leaders, organizations—and hearts—today.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-7-the-bread-and-water-of-life-7-4-jethro-%f0%9f%8c%8a-exodus-%f0%9f%8c%b1-living-faith/

13 August 2025

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BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS
Daily Bible Reading

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 Numbers 2 – Order in the Camp – Order in God’s Life
How God organizes a people in the wilderness – and what that has to do with my everyday life

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Bible Text – Numbers 2 (KJV)

¹ And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

² Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by his own standard, with the ensign of their father’s house: far off about the tabernacle of the congregation shall they pitch.

³ And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadab shall be captain of the children of Judah.

⁴ And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred.

⁵ And those that do pitch next unto him shall be the tribe of Issachar: and Nethaneel the son of Zuar shall be captain of the children of Issachar.

⁶ And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were fifty and four thousand and four hundred.

⁷ Then the tribe of Zebulun: and Eliab the son of Helon shall be captain of the children of Zebulun.

⁸ And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were fifty and seven thousand and four hundred.

⁹ All that were numbered in the camp of Judah were an hundred thousand and fourscore thousand and six thousand and four hundred, throughout their armies. These shall first set forth.

¹⁰ On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their armies: and the captain of the children of Reuben shall be Elizur the son of Shedeur.

¹¹ And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were forty and six thousand and five hundred.

¹² And those which pitch by him shall be the tribe of Simeon: and the captain of the children of Simeon shall be Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

¹³ And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were fifty and nine thousand and three hundred.

¹⁴ Then the tribe of Gad: and the captain of the sons of Gad shall be Eliasaph the son of Reuel.

¹⁵ And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty and five thousand and six hundred and fifty.

¹⁶ All that were numbered in the camp of Reuben were an hundred thousand and fifty and one thousand and four hundred and fifty, throughout their armies. And they shall set forth in the second rank.

¹⁷ Then the tabernacle of the congregation shall set forward with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camp: as they encamp, so shall they set forward, every man in his place by their standards.

¹⁸ On the west side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim according to their armies: and the captain of the sons of Ephraim shall be Elishama the son of Ammihud.

¹⁹ And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty thousand and five hundred.

²⁰ And by him shall be the tribe of Manasseh: and the captain of the children of Manasseh shall be Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

²¹ And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were thirty and two thousand and two hundred.

²² Then the tribe of Benjamin: and the captain of the sons of Benjamin shall be Abidan the son of Gideoni.

²³ And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were thirty and five thousand and four hundred.

²⁴ All that were numbered of the camp of Ephraim were an hundred thousand and eight thousand and an hundred, throughout their armies. And they shall go forward in the third rank.

²⁵ The standard of the camp of Dan shall be on the north side by their armies: and the captain of the children of Dan shall be Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

²⁶ And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were threescore and two thousand and seven hundred.

²⁷ And those that encamp by him shall be the tribe of Asher: and the captain of the children of Asher shall be Pagiel the son of Ocran.

²⁸ And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty and one thousand and five hundred.

²⁹ Then the tribe of Naphtali: and the captain of the children of Naphtali shall be Ahira the son of Enan.

³⁰ And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were fifty and three thousand and four hundred.

³¹ All they that were numbered in the camp of Dan were an hundred thousand and fifty and seven thousand and six hundred. They shall go hindmost with their standards.

³² These are those which were numbered of the children of Israel by the house of their fathers: all those that were numbered of the camps throughout their hosts were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty.

³³ But the Levites were not numbered among the children of Israel; as the Lord commanded Moses.

³⁴ And the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord commanded Moses: so they pitched by their standards, and so they set forward, every one after their families, according to the house of their fathers.

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Introduction

In a time of wandering, waiting, and uncertainty in the wilderness, God gave the people of Israel a clear instruction: each tribe was to take its place – under its banner, with its task, and in orderly formation.

This divine structure is more than mere logistics. It reflects spiritual principles that are still relevant for us today.

In Numbers 2, we see that God’s order is not chaotic or random – it is purposeful, holy, and full of symbolism.

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Commentary

1⃣ The Camp Arrangement – Structure in Chaos (Verses 1–2)

God speaks to Moses and Aaron: the people are to camp around the tabernacle, arranged by tribes, under banners.

The tabernacle – God’s presence – stands at the center.

Each tribe has a fixed place: ordered, not random.

The camp is a visible testimony to divine order and community.

Meaning:
The center of the people is not a leader, but the presence of God Himself. All orientation flows from the center – this is deeply spiritual.

2⃣ The Four Directions – Symbolic Alignment (Verses 3–31)

East – Leadership (Judah, Issachar, Zebulun)
→ Judah leads the way.
→ Judah = praise, kingship.
→ Symbol: Christ comes from the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5).

South – Passion (Reuben, Simeon, Gad)
→ Reuben was the firstborn, but lost his birthright.
→ Simeon & Gad = tribes with strong energy but also challenges.

West – Fruitfulness (Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin)
→ Children of Joseph – symbols of blessing and growth.
→ Benjamin = small but significant tribe (Paul came from this tribe).

North – Strength & Defense (Dan, Asher, Naphtali)
→ Dan = “judge”, strong but spiritually vulnerable.
→ These tribes form the outer defensive edge of the camp.

Levitical Camp – Center of Faith (Verse 17)

The Levites carry and protect the tabernacle.

They march in the middle of the camp – a symbol of God’s nearness and central presence.

3⃣ The Total Number – Order and Responsibility (Verses 32–34)

603,550 able-bodied men – a large, but disciplined army.

The Levites were not counted – their role was not combat, but service.

The distinction between spiritual and practical service is divinely ordained.

Verse 34:
“And the children of Israel did everything the LORD had commanded Moses.”
→ A people in obedience is a strong testimony.

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Summary

God organized the people of Israel in a clear, symbolic structure:

With the tabernacle at the center

With four camp groups in each direction

With defined roles, leaders, and numbers

This structure was not only for organization, but also for spiritual alignment:
God stands at the center, and everyone moves according to His Word.

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Message for Us Today

1.God’s order brings peace into our restlessness.
He also wants to structure our lives – with Him at the center.

2.Every person has their place in the Kingdom of God.
No tribe was insignificant. You too are part of God’s plan.

3.Spiritual service (Levites) is just as important as practical service.
Every calling has value when God assigns it.

4.Center your life on God’s presence.
Not success, family, or worries should be at the center – but the “tabernacle”: your relationship with God.

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Reflection Questions

What does my spiritual camp layout look like?

Is Christ truly at the center of my thinking, acting, and planning?

Have I found my place – or am I living in spiritual disorder?

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August 10 – 16, 2025

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BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS
Weekly Reading from the Spirit of Prophecy

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Ellen White | Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 22
 Moses

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Read online here

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Introduction

The life story of Moses is a masterpiece of divine guidance. From a Hebrew child saved from death in the Nile, to a prince in Pharaoh’s court, to a humble shepherd in Midian—God shaped His servant for a unique mission: the deliverance of Israel from Egypt. This preparation was not a straight path but a deep process of training, self-denial, and faith. In this chapter, we see how God’s plan is fulfilled despite human weaknesses and resistance.

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Commentary

1. God’s protection in childhood (Exodus 1–2)

• Moses is born at a time when a cruel decree condemns all Hebrew baby boys to death.

• God’s providence leads Pharaoh’s daughter to find and adopt him.

• His own mother is allowed to nurse and raise him—a short but decisive formative period.

Key point: God can open doors that seem humanly impossible, even in the darkest circumstances.

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2. Training and the attempt at self-deliverance (Acts 7:22; Exodus 2:11–15)

• Moses receives the best Egyptian education but remains faithful to the God of Israel.

• In youthful zeal, he tries to deliver his people by his own strength (killing the Egyptian).

• Result: flight to Midian—the start of a new life phase.

Key point: A spiritual calling must not be forced by fleshly means.

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3. God’s school in the wilderness (Exodus 3–4)

• Forty years as a shepherd for Jethro—learning patience, humility, and dependence on God.

• The calling at the burning bush: God reveals Himself and gives Moses his mission.

• Moses’ objections: lack of eloquence, self-doubt, fear of rejection.

• God’s response: assurance of His presence, signs, and support through Aaron.

Key point: God does not call the qualified—He qualifies the called.

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4. Obedience and wholehearted dedication (Exodus 4:18–26)

• Moses chooses obedience, even though he hesitates.

• God corrects him for neglecting a duty (circumcision of his son).

• Lesson: Those who want to do God’s work must themselves be consistent in obedience.

Key point: Spiritual authority requires personal faithfulness to God’s commands.

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Summary

Moses went through three major life phases:

• Pharaoh’s court – education and privileges, but also temptation and the danger of idolatry.

• Wilderness of Midian – humbling, training in patience, trust in God.

• Calling and mission – equipping through God’s promises and signs, overcoming personal doubts.

God even used Moses’ mistakes to prepare him for the greatest work of his life: the deliverance of Israel.

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Message for Us Today

• God’s paths are often longer than we expect—but always purposeful and wise.

• Self-reliance can be a hindrance, but trust in God makes us strong.

• Those who want to be used by God must be willing to embrace even hidden years of preparation.

• We must obey first before we can lead others to obedience.

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Reflection Question

In what area of my life might God be preparing me in a “wilderness school,” even though I would prefer to hurry ahead?

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LuxVerbi | The light of the Word. The clarity of faith.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/13-08-2025-%f0%9f%8f%95%ef%b8%8f-numbers-chapter-2-order-in-the-camp-order-in-gods-life-%f0%9f%93%9c-believe-his-prophets/